Cities across the County and our region rely on federal grant dollars to often make large-scale improvements to the quality of life and infrastructure here in our community. For instance, grants that have helped grow the City Walk or Riverwalk in Hickory or revitalizing downtowns in Granite Falls, Morganton and elsewhere in the region.
Many of those long-term projects start initially as ideas on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a strategic blueprint for establishing and maintaining a strong regional economy and improving communities throughout our four county region (Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties). Strategies contained in the CEDS are centered on economic development, workforce, infrastructure, and community life and are developed every 5 years.
The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) is responsible for developing the CEDS and will use this plan to coordinate efforts to improve our region’s economic competitiveness and quality of life. However, your input is greatly needed as we seek out federal funds for future efforts like increasing access to broadband, housing, education and more.
