Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

The Skagit Council of Governments has historically maintained the Skagit County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).  The CEDS serves as a countywide plan for economic growth and development.  The CEDS is the latest in a series of economic development planning efforts going back to at least 1957 when the University of Washington conducted an economic base study for the county.

SCOG has coordinated the creation of economic development plans going back to 1976 with the publication of the first Overall Economic Development Plan for Skagit County and numerous plans through the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.  2003 was the year of the last major update to the CEDS which was developed in consultation with a professional advisory group representing entities throughout the county with economic interests.

In 2013, SCOG worked with local entities to prepare an update to the 2003 CEDS.  A data update was prepared to provide new background information on the local economy and an implementation plan was prepared to show how local governments are implementing the CEDS through a variety of capital projects, plans and studies.  The implementation plan includes over 200 local projects from around the county that directly address goals from the CEDS and provide for future economic development.