A well-planned, coordinated strategy for public priorities in economic development is critical at local, state, and federal levels for sound use of public dollars. As the federally designated Economic Development District (EDD), SPC is responsible for developing, monitoring, and updating the region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the US Department of Commerce appointed SPC the region's EDD. With the endorsement of member governments, the EDA designates regional districts across the country to create and maintain CEDS.

These public-sector, EDA-approved plans for economic development are used as a guide in grant awards for water and sewer infrastructure systems, technology training centers, telecommunications facilities, research parks, and other major public-works projects.

The EDA provides grants for infrastructure development, local capacity building, and business development to help communities alleviate conditions of substantial and persistent unemployment and underemployment in economically distressed areas and regions. SPC receives planning funds from the EDA for economic development projects in southwestern Pennsylvania.

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