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

The EDA Austin FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program has announced its general policies and application procedures for its two main grants. These two initiatives aim to asssist with the creation of regional economic development plans to build resilience and boost prosperity in specific areas or regions.

The first grant, the Planning program, supports what are known as Partnership Planning investments. These focus on the development, implementation or improvement of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) - critical plans which outline and prioritize a region's economic goals. Often these grants are awarded to planning organizations, such as District Organizations, which serve EDA-designated Economic Development Districts. Such grants enable these organizations to achieve their strategic goals as outlined in their CEDS. Furthermore, this grant is also made available to Indian Tribes to help them to develop their own CEDS and promote broader economic growth.

The Planning program also delivers Short Term and State Planning Investments to various organizations, Indian Tribe, and other entitled parties. These investments aim to promote high-quality job creation and retention, primarily for the unemployed and underemployed in the most economically disadvantaged regions.

The second main grant, the Local Technical Assistance Program, aims to strengthen the capacity of local or State organizations, higher education institutions, and other titled recipients. The main objective of this grant is to promote effective economic development programs by funding projects such as feasibility analysis and impact studies. This helps to ensure the success and sustainability of the said economic development program.