EDA Atlanta FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program

The EDA Atlanta FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program is aimed at bolstering economic development. The program is designed in line with EDA's general policies and procedures for grant-based investments.

The Planning program supports recipients in developing regional economic proposals that are poised to enhance the economic prosperity and resilience of a specific area or region. This program particularly provides Partnership Planning grants. These grants primarily assist designated planning organizations such as District Organizations and EDA designated Economic Development Districts in developing and implementing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). CEDS are strategies that clearly define and prioritize the strategic economic goals of the regions applicants are from.

The Planning program also caters to Indian Tribes, providing them with Partnership Planning grants to develop and execute their CEDS and associated economic development activities. Furthermore, the program extends Short Term and State Planning investment support to District Organizations, Indian Tribes and other eligible recipients. The ultimate goal is the creation and retention of high-quality jobs, with a special focus on economically distressed regions and targets the unemployed and underemployed.

The Local Technical Assistance program focuses on enhancing the capability of local or State organizations, institutions of higher learning, and other eligible recipients to undertake and promote effective economic development programs. It finances projects such as feasibility analyses and impact studies, with an aim to foster economic growth.