Montana West Economic Development is updating the Flathead County 5-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Community input is vital for this process. Please attend one of the meetings below to share your ideas about challenges and opportunities for the county.

What is a CEDS?
A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is local economic development plan that guides the economic growth of an area. The United States Economic Development Administration, (EDA) notes that the purpose of a CEDS is to help, “… create jobs, foster more stable and diversified economies, and improve living conditions. It provides a mechanism for coordinating the efforts of individuals, organizations, local governments, and private industry concerned with economic development.” A CEDS should result from a planning process that involves broad community participation to identify strengths, threats and opportunities in the region. Through this process, the CEDS will establish a vision for the community and include goals and the strategies that will help the community achieve this vision over the next five years.