Universities as Regional Anchors: How Economic Development Districts Are Prioritizing Higher Education Partnerships in the CEDS

[Katie Allison]

Universities as Regional Anchors: How Economic Development Districts Are Prioritizing Higher Education Partnerships in the CEDS​

Higher education institutions play a key role in developing a skilled workforce, fostering innovation, and supporting regional economic growth. While colleges and universities are key strategic partners, their role is often not clearly defined in regional strategic plans. Drawing on data from the State and Local Economic Development Strategies (SLEDS) database, this brief from the University Economic Development Association examines how EDDs can better incorporate higher education institutions into their CEDS process and plans and shares examples of how EDDs use the CEDS to foster stronger partnerships with universities and colleges.

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• August 25, 2026

This resource is offered through the Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), managed by the NADO Research Foundation to build the capacity of the national network of EDDs. To learn more, visit: www.nado.org/EDDCoP. The EDD CoP is made possible through an award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce (ED22HDQ3070106). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations in this resource are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.


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