Five-county SEDS moves toward EDA designation; commissioners asked for support letters

Marissa Bechstein (program manager, Team Macauge) and Sandy Spang (executive director) presented the Lake Erie West Regional comprehensive economic development strategy (SEDS) and said the document will go out for public comment in October, return to the commissioners for final approval in late November or early December, and then be submitted to the Economic Development Administration for designation as an Economic Development District (EDD).

Spang said the SEDS focuses on five goals—economic diversification, workforce development and retention, housing affordability and access, infrastructure and regional connectivity, and strengthening regional identity and resilience—and stressed implementation and an active district board to steward execution. She noted that the EDA’s designation opens eligibility for more federal construction and EDA grants and that the region’s five-county approach (Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca) is intended to strengthen the application.

Commissioners asked about past experience with EDA funds and implementation; board members acknowledged a mixed track record but said the EDD designation “is the key that unlocks the bank.” Presenters requested letters of support from the commissioners and said they would return after the public comment period for final approval.