Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

Economic Empowerment for All

This Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Hampton Roads was developed with input and assistance from many individuals and organizations across Hampton Roads. The report was primarily prepared and authored by Greg Grootendorst, Katherine Rainone, and Katie Cullipher of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) as well as Dr. Robert McNab and Dr. Timothy Komarek of Old Dominion University’s Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy.

Many thanks to the individuals who served on the CEDS Strategy Committee, who offered their time and effort by guiding the process of preparing the region’s CEDS: Jim Spore (ReInvent Hampton Roads), Rick Dywer (HRMFFA), Steve Harrison (Hampton Roads Alliance), Russ Held (Port of Virginia), Mallory Butler (City of Newport News), Kurt Krause (Visit Norfolk), Shawn Avery (HR Workforce Council) and Mary Fugere (City of Hampton).

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) officially approved the CEDS for the 2022-2027 period on July 13, 2022.

The governing body responsible for adopting this CEDS is the Hampton Roads Alliance.

The lead organization responsible for the adoption and implementation of this CEDS is the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission.