During development of the CEDS, a thorough regional assessment was completed by the WCTEDD Board to map regional assets, challenges, and opportunities in the current and anticipated economic climate. WCTEDD Board members are leaders in their respective fields with vast and varied personal and professional experiences, uniquely qualifying them to serve the economic development interests the region.
The 19-county WCTEDD region includes rural communities as well as the Abilene metropolitan statistical area. The vastness of the region poses challenges to ensuring complete access to resources and inclusivity across communities. Public participation during the assessment was provided via online forums, social media networks, surveys, and publication online. Area stakeholders targeted for participation include area businesses, industry leaders, residents, service providers, elected officials, and others.
Assessment results were analyzed and synthesized with Economic Development Administration goals and objectives to identify regional CEDS goals, strategies, and evaluation criteria to determine regional progress. In addition, CEDS analysis, goals, and objectives were informed by National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) webinars, as well as discussion with US Economic Development Administrative officials, Texas Workforce Commission data personnel, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Administration, and Office of the Governor staff.
Click this here to view the regional assessment results.
The 19-county WCTEDD region includes rural communities as well as the Abilene metropolitan statistical area. The vastness of the region poses challenges to ensuring complete access to resources and inclusivity across communities. Public participation during the assessment was provided via online forums, social media networks, surveys, and publication online. Area stakeholders targeted for participation include area businesses, industry leaders, residents, service providers, elected officials, and others.
Assessment results were analyzed and synthesized with Economic Development Administration goals and objectives to identify regional CEDS goals, strategies, and evaluation criteria to determine regional progress. In addition, CEDS analysis, goals, and objectives were informed by National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) webinars, as well as discussion with US Economic Development Administrative officials, Texas Workforce Commission data personnel, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Administration, and Office of the Governor staff.
Click this here to view the regional assessment results.
CEDS Survey
To collect stakeholder feedback during the CEDS development process, an 86-question survey was distributed to query area water districts, economic development corporations, chamber members and key community members. Questions were structured to promote co-learning between the EDD staff and respondents, provide up-to-date information, and create new knowledge as part of a ‘knowledge planning’ process. Topics included Community information, Communication, Community Resources, Economic Development, Education/Child Care, Health Care, Housing, Infrastructure, Local Environment, Public Safety, Renewable Energy, and Retirement Communities.
Survey distribution was multi-channeled, including placement on wctcog.org, as well as 281 emails and postcards distributed to key stakeholders. A total of 92 surveys were completed.
Click here to view a detailed overview of CEDS survey responses.
Survey distribution was multi-channeled, including placement on wctcog.org, as well as 281 emails and postcards distributed to key stakeholders. A total of 92 surveys were completed.
Click here to view a detailed overview of CEDS survey responses.