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

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) in Seattle has announced their planning program and local technical assistance program for the Fiscal Years of 2016 to 2019. This is in compliance with the Public Works and Economic Development Act (PWEDA). This initiative includes grant-based investments under the guiding policies and application procedures set by EDA.

EDA's Planning Program aims to help eligible recipients create regional economic development strategies. These strategies are designed to build capacity and enhance the economic success and resilience of a particular area or region. As an integral part of this program, EDA offers Partnership Planning grants. These grants are specifically focused on enabling the development, execution, revising, or replacing of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS).

The CEDS incorporates and prioritizes the strategic economic aims of the recipients' respective regions. In general, Partnership Planning grants are provided by EDA to the designated planning organization, such as a District Organization, which serves EDA-designated Economic Development Districts. These grants aid these organizations to build and put relevant CEDS into action.

Additionally, EDA also extends Partnership Planning grants to Indian Tribes. This is to assist them in formulating and executing CEDS, as well as other associated economic development initiatives.

EDA’s Planning Program also supports eligible recipients including District Organizations, Indian Tribes, and other organizations, by providing short-term and state planning investments. The goal here is to guide the eventual creation and retention of high-quality jobs, particularly for those unemployed, underemployed, and residing in the most economically distressed regions of the nation.

On the other hand, The Local Technical Assistance Program is focussed on building up the capacity of local or state organizations, institutions of higher education, and other eligible recipients. This is achieved by encouraging them to undertake and promote effective economic development ventures. The assistance is carried out through projects like feasibility studies and impact studies.