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transcript
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
2017 Annual Performance Report
Submitted by
The Northeast Ohio Four County Regional Planning
and Development Organization (NEFCO)
January 2017
This report was prepared by NEFCO using Federal funds under award number
ED16CHI3020014 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendation are those of the authors
and do not necessarily reflect the view of the EDA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Executive Summary
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Annual Performance Report is updated
annually by the Northeast Ohio Four County Regional Planning and Development Organization
(NEFCO). This update reports recent trends observed between the issuance of NEFCO’s
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which occurs every five years, and the
present time. The CEDS can be found at the agency website, www.nefcoplanning.org.
Preparation of the CEDS and the annual report maintains eligibility for the NEFCO region’s
communities to receive grant funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic
Development Administration (EDA).
Our CEDS report and its annual update describe the economic conditions, strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats of the NEFCO area. New in 2017 is the analysis of the region,
responding to the following questions: 1) Where are we going? 2) Where do we want to be? And
3) How do we get there?
The 2017 Annual Performance Report covers the period from February 2016 through January
2017. It describes changing economic conditions in the region encompassing the Counties of
Portage, Stark, and Summit; and the City of Wooster in Wayne County. Significant events and
issues that occurred over the past year to shape and direct NEFCO’s regional economic
development planning program are outlined in the report.
The regional economy continues to be relatively stable. While there are no major employment
losses over the past year, neither are there large employment gains. This stability has given
communities the ability to focus locally, whether to undertake an assessment of housing needs
for a millennial generation or to build on current assets that will retain the young workforce.
Finally, the entire region will greatly benefit from the announcement of the $500 million Hall of
Fame Village development in Canton. As a continuation from our 2016 CEDS, Stark County
remains a regional economic development focus with the construction of the Football Hall of
Fame Village and the long-term potential of the role the county will play in the oil and gas
industry.
NEFCO’s advisory committee and governing board members are involved in the agency’s
regional economic development planning program, providing feedback on the pulse of the
region, communicating their ideas of where the region is headed, and assisting staff with tasks
needed to create the conditions for strong local and regional economies. The goals and
objectives that are reviewed and approved by these members appear in this report. A list of
projects that are vital to the region portray the important role the agency plays in regional
economic development planning.
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Adjustments to NEFCO’s Strategy
Report on Changing Economic Conditions and Adjustments
24-month unemployment and per capita income in the NEFCO Region
In the last two years, the region has experienced 24-month unemployment rates that have largely
remained above 4.5 percent. Seasonal peaks occurred during summer months and the holiday
season, echoing unemployment patterns for the State of Ohio. However, since December 2014,
unemployment in the NEFCO region typically exceeded Ohio’s rate. Figure 1 portrays NEFCO
region and Ohio’s rates between December 2014 and November 2016. (Bureau of Labor
Services, January 2017).
Figure 1
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, January 2017
4.0%
4.5%
5.0%
5.5%
6.0%
6.5%
Dec
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Jan
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May
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Sep
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Dec
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Feb
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May
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Period
Unemployment Rates in the NEFCO Region 2014-2016
NEFCO region Ohio
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Table 1 portrays calculations of economic distress for NEFCO’s counties and major cities. Local
governments may qualify for EDA assistance based on the economic distress of a census tract or
a community’s per capita income. The data shown in Table 1 are based on the Bureau of Labor
Statistics data available in January 2017 and the American Community Survey’s estimates of Per
Capita Income for a single point in time between 2011-2015.
Table 1
Economic Distress in the NEFCO Region
Unit of Government
24-Month Unemployment % (BLS)
ACS PCI 5-yr est. (2011-2015)
% of U.S. PCI
Portage County 4.9 $ 26,042 90.0%
Kent 5.0 $ 19,420 67.1%
Stark County 5.3 $ 25,547 88.3%
Canton 6.2 $ 16,665 57.6%
CT 7018 $ 9,961 34.4%
CT 7003 $ 13,093 45.3%
Summit County 5.0 $ 28,896 99.9%
Akron 5.7 $ 20,872 72.1%
Wayne County 3.9 $ 23,695 81.9%
Wooster 3.9 $ 23,566 81.5%
Ohio 4.9 $ 26,953 93.2%
U.S. 5.1 $ 28,930 Sources: American Community Survey; Bureau of Labor Statistics, January 2017
Shaded cells indicate statistics that qualify communities as distressed and that meet EDA's
eligibility for funding. City names in bold indicate economically-distressed communities. A
community’s Per Capita Income must be less than 80% of U.S. PCI to be eligible and its
unemployment rate must be greater than 1% of US (based on 24-month unemployment). Cells
without data indicate statistics not provided at this geographic level by the Census Bureau.
Major cities may be considered economically-distressed based on either their 24-month
unemployment rates or per capita income. The BLS data indicate show that the larger cities
experience the most economic hardship in the region; however, residents in smaller communities
that lack large employers may have low per capita income.
Employment Trends
The Federal Reserve Board of Cleveland examined trends in population and private employment
in its 17 Metropolitan Statistical Areas, which include the Akron and Canton MSAs (Figure 2).
The Akron MSA consists of Summit and Portage Counties, while the Canton MSA is composed
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of Stark and Carroll Counties (the latter outside of the NEFCO region). The study found that
population continues to decline in many of the MSAs. Manufacturing employment has
rebounded since the Recession, but it is still below 2001 employment levels. Education and
health services sectors exhibit strong employment, but many workers in these sectors are earning
wages below the national average (September 23, 2014).
Figure 2
Source: Employment Trends in Two Sectors Show a Region in Transition, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland,
February 23, 2014.
TeamNEO’s quarterly Cleveland Plus economic publication covers 18 northeast Ohio counties.
A year-end analysis predicts increased manufacturing productivity through 2025. Computer
manufacturing in particular is expected to increase by 104 percent through 2025. According to
TeamNEO, the top15 manufacturing sectors, which make up 50 percent of all manufacturing
sectors, portray a diversifying northeast Ohio manufacturing economy. From 1990 to 2015,
manufacturing productivity in our region grew by 92 percent. TeamNEO attributes this increase
to the steady shift from traditional manufacturing to advanced manufacturing. An August 2016
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study outlined the region’s potential to support an additive manufacturing cluster. The number
of UticaShale wells originally permitted, drilled and in production for each quarter has declined.
A StatsAmerica analysis of industry cluster data provides a snapshot of the region’s competitive
advantages. The calculation of a location quotient is a tool to identify where a region has a
greater concentration of activity in a sector than the national average. Location quotients greater
than 1.0 indicate a location’s economic strengths. Tables 2 and 3 on the following pages depict
industrial clusters in the NEFCO region which exhibited location quotients greater than 1.0.
Location quotients for a “Manufacturing Supercluster” confirm the region’s manufacturing
strength. This supercluster aggregates metals, machinery, computer/electronic products,
electrical equipment/appliances, and transportation equipment. One example of the region’s
concentration, primary metals manufacturing establishments and employment are nearly four
times the national average. Other strengths include chemical products and advanced materials
(statsamerica.org).
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Table 2: Location Quotient – Employment, 2012
Geographic
Location Ele
ctric
al
Eq
uip
men
t,
Ap
pli
an
ce &
Co
mp
on
ent
Mfg
Fa
bri
cate
d M
eta
l P
rod
. M
fg
En
erg
y (
Fo
ssil
/Ren
ew-a
ble
)
Tra
nsp
ort
. E
qu
ip.
Mfg
Tra
nsp
ort
. &
Lo
gis
tics
Pri
ma
ry M
eta
l M
fg
Fo
rest
& W
oo
d P
rod
uct
s
Ad
va
nce
d M
ate
ria
ls
Ap
pa
rel
& T
exti
les
Art
s, E
nte
rta
in.,
Rec
. &
Vis
ito
r In
du
stri
es
Bu
s. &
Fin
. S
erv
ices
Gla
ss &
Cer
am
ics
Ed
uc.
/ K
no
wle
dg
e C
rea
tion
Ma
chin
ery
Mfg
Ag
rib
us.
, F
oo
d P
roce
ss &
Tec
h.
Ch
emic
als
& C
hem
ical
Ba
sed
Pro
du
cts
Bio
med
ica
l/B
io-t
ech
nic
al
(Lif
e S
cien
ces)
Ma
nu
fact
uri
ng
Su
per
clu
ster
Pri
nti
ng &
Pu
bli
shin
g
Min
ing
Co
mp
ute
r &
Ele
ctro
nic
Pro
du
ct M
fg
Portage 3.20 2.81 0.86
0.72 0.52 1.42 2.98 1.78 0.71
1.25 1.93
4.90 0.81 1.89
0.82 1.07
Stark 0.95 5.30
1.25 0.56 7.16 0.98 2.08 1.32
1.84
1.20 1.41 1.16 1.21 2.25
Summit 1.11 2.53
0.54 1.05 1.30
1.64 0.67
0.87 1.19
1.58
2.16 1.29 1.32 1.06
0.64
Wayne 0.94 4.47 1.05 3.73 0.83 9.97 3.59 2.00
1.91 1.66 1.34 4.19 1.79 0.84 2.82
0.76
NEFCO 1.26 3.57
1.02 0.85 3.75 1.03 1.94 1.01
1.45
1.63
2.11 1.17 1.79
0.35 0.50
LQ: less than 1.0
LQ: 1.0-1.9
LQ: 2.0-2.9
LQ: 3.0 and above
Source: www.statsAmerica.org, 2017
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Table 3: Location Quotient – Establishments, 2012
Geographic
Location Ele
ctric
al
Eq
uip
men
t,
Ap
pli
an
ce &
Co
mp
on
ent
Mfg
Fa
bri
cate
d M
eta
l P
rod
. M
fg
En
erg
y (
Fo
ssil
/Ren
ew-a
ble
)
Tra
nsp
ort
. E
qu
ip.
Mfg
Tra
nsp
ort
. &
Lo
gis
tics
Pri
ma
ry M
eta
l M
fg
Fo
rest
& W
oo
d P
rod
uct
s
Ad
va
nce
d M
ate
ria
ls
Ap
pa
rel
& T
exti
les
Art
s, E
nte
rta
in.,
Rec
. &
Vis
ito
r In
du
stri
es
Bu
s. &
Fin
. S
erv
ices
Gla
ss &
Cer
am
ics
Ed
uc.
/ K
no
wle
dg
e C
rea
tion
Ma
chin
ery
Mfg
Ag
rib
us.
, F
oo
d P
roce
ss &
Tec
h.
Ch
emic
als
& C
hem
ical
Ba
sed
Pro
du
cts
Bio
med
ica
l/B
io-t
ech
nic
al
(Lif
e S
cien
ces)
Ma
nu
fact
uri
ng
Su
per
clu
ster
Pri
nti
ng &
Pu
bli
shin
g
Min
ing
Co
mp
ute
r &
Ele
ctro
nic
Pro
du
ct M
fg
Portage 4 3.13 1.07 1.48 2.67 1.13 3.50 1.01 2.61 0.89 3.62 1.10 2.88 3.20 1.47
Stark 2 2.51 1.45 1.04 4.59 1.02 1.84 0.93 2.52 2.15 0.53 1.82 1.33 2.06
Summit 1.5 2.37 1.07 1.16 3.03 2.43 1.11 1.04 2.44 3.12 2.34 1.35 2.18 1.17 1.30
Wayne 1.5 2.69 1.22 2.58 1.59 6.57 5.63 1.85 2.01 0.64 1.02 2.31 1.69
NEFCO 2 2.53 1.29 1.20 3.78 1.34 2.32 1.03 2.44 2.86 2.29 1.28 2.24 1.10 1.00
LQ: less than 1.0
LQ: 1.0-1.9
LQ: 2.0-2.9
LQ: 3.0 and above
Source: www.statsAmerica.org, 2017
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Changes within the District Organization
There are no changes in the administrative process of NEFCO’s partnership planning grant.
However, a personnel change will require the assigning of a new staff member to manage
NEFCO’s regional economic development planning program. NEFCO maintains a well-balanced
mix of representation from EDA’s desired target groups (private sector, higher education,
chambers of commerce, non-profits organizations, and workforce development) within its
regional planning program, and NEFCO will tap into its Regional CEDS committee to assist
during this transition. Tables 4 and 5 show the composition and affiliations of NEFCO’s
Regional CEDS Committee and General Policy Board.
Table 4
2017 Regional CEDS Committee
Name Representing Title EDA category
Brent Hendren City of Akron
Mayor's Small Business
Center Public Sector
Tom Wilke City of Kent Economic Development Dir. Public Sector
Jonathan Millea City of Wooster Economic Development Dir. Public Sector
Rafael Rodriguez City of Canton
Community Improvement
Corporation Private Sector
Brad Ehrhart Portage County President Private Sector
Bob Nau Stark County Director Public Sector
Dennis Tubbs Summit County Deputy Director Public Sector
Betty Aylsworth
Ohio Agricultural Research
& Development Center Program Coordinator
Institution of
Higher Education
Shawn Starlin
Wayne Economic
Development Council Project Manager Private Sector
Gregg Cramer Greater Akron Chamber
Vice President, Economic
Development Private Sector
Chris Johnson Stark Development Board Vice President Private Sector
Patricia Grospiron JumpStart, Inc.
Network Development
Director Private Sector
Scott Wagner
Barberton Community
Development Corporation Executive Director Private Sector
Larry Lallo
Mercy Economic
Development International
Corporation Executive Director Private Sector
CEDS 2017 City and County Coordinators
Portage County – Todd Peetz, Portage County Regional Planning Commission
Stark County – Rachel Forchione, Stark County Regional Planning Commission
Summit County – Bob Genet, Summit County Department of Community and Economic Development
City of Wooster – Jonathan Millea, Economic Development
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Table 5
2017 NEFCO Governing Board Roster
NAME AFFILIATION
TYPE OF
REPRESENTATIVE
Portage County
James Bierlair Portage County Soil and Water Conservation Government
Joe Diorio Portage County Health District Government
Vicki Kline Portage County Commissioner Government
Todd Peetz Portage County Regional Planning Commission Government
Gene Roberts Portage County Water Resources Government
John Zizka Freedom Township Trustee Government
Dan Morganti City of Kent Government
Stark County
Keith Bennett Stark County Engineer Government
Linda Chain Lexington Township Zoning Inspector Government
Peter Ferguson Medical Private
Chris Johnson Stark County Development Board Private
Doug Lane North Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Private
David Maley City of Massillon Economic Development Government
Vince Marion City of Louisville Government
Joe Mazzola City of Alliance Government
Richard Regula Stark County Commissioner Private
Jim Troike Stark County Sanitary Engineer Government
Joe Underwood Stark County Regional Planning Commission Government
Dan Moeglin City of Canton Government
Vacant
Summit County*
Alan Brubaker Summit County Engineer Government
William Judge City of Barberton Government
John Lund Consultant Private
Jim Nelson Bath Township Government
Ilene Shapiro Summit County Executive Private
Dianne Sumego Black and Veatch Corporation Private
Michael Weant Summit County Dept. Sanitary Sewer Services Government
To Be Determined
To Be Determined
Bob Hoch City of Akron Councilman Private
Daniel Horrigan City of Akron Mayor Government
John Moore City of Akron Government
Russel Neal City of Akron Councilman Private
Jason Segedy City of Akron Government
Veronica Sims City of Akron Councilwoman Government
Helen Tomic City of Akron Government
City of Wooster
Bob Breneman City of Wooster Mayor Private
Associate Member (non-voting)
Betty Keener Village of Apple Creek Mayor
*Appointments pending 1/17/2017
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Changes within the Region
The $500 million development of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Village in the City of Canton
continues to hold the promise of the next major economic development driver for the region.
Announced in 2015, plans include the construction of hotels, a conference center, a sports and
entertainment complex, an assisted living facility, a youth sports facility, a center for excellence,
NFL-themed rides/virtual experience, and a Main Street with restaurant/retail establishments
(Pro Football Hall of Fame website). The project will attract multiple businesses and significant
levels of private investment in the local and regional economies. To supplement this project,
Canton has begun infrastructure projects designed to benefit the region while jumpstarting local
investment interest.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland reports a stable economy. While its area of coverage
includes Ohio and portions of three other states, many of these trends are indicative of northeast
Ohio: a slight growth in economic activity, stable manufacturing plant production, reductions in
auto manufacturing, an improved housing market, and continued difficulty in job placement with
growing reliance on temporary employees (Fourth District Beige Book, November 30, 2016).
In recent years, there has been much interest in strengthening the region’s urban centers, creating
sustainable and walkable communities, and addressing urban blight and vacancy. These were
some of the challenges raised by the Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium
(NEOSCC), an organization leading a regional visioning effort funded in 2010 by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development, and an activity in which NEFCO helped to
lead. The vision presents various scenarios for future choices in transportation, land use,
housing, economic development, environmental planning, open space/farmland preservation in a
12-county region. Key members of the Consortium have continued discussions on the
implementation of this vision document.
A combination of the mild weather and low cost of petroleum continues to affect the oil and gas
industry, and the anticipated ripple effects of Utica shale development in adjacent counties and
eastern Ohio have not fully materialized within the NEFCO region. Stark and Portage Counties
have experienced most of the activity related to the extraction of this natural resource. Despite
the slow-down, some leaders remain optimistic about the economic impact of shale. Others are
concerned about the potential environmental impacts of injection wells and fracking.
A Regional Assessment
Key economic development professionals and planners were polled to develop the following
strategic framework, which will guide NEFCO’s future economic development activities.
Where are we going?
Facing a stable regional economy, leaders are working to diversify their local communities.
Leaders’ “thinking outside the box” have been the driving force behind recent innovative
projects to imagine our communities for future generations. With our region’s reliance on
manufacturing, the slow economic recovery is still concerning. However, initiatives that
encourage entrepreneurship and livable and sustainable communities are promising indicators
that decision makers recognize the need to change and address a different economic future. In
particular, there are opportunities to help scaleup or gazelle companies to grow faster. The region
is also growing in research and development opportunities, many tied to shale/oil and polymers,
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and spurring interest in national and international research facilities. Logistics has always been a
strong presence in the region and, after some losses over the past years, this industry has begun
to improve.
Where do we want to be? Responses to this question ranged from the creation of attractive, thriving, inclusive, value-added
and vibrant communities to those that position the region to be a major economic player.
Collaboration and working toward the greater good of the region, not just on behalf of one
community gaining at the expense of another, was a common theme. Leaders have suggested
that they would like to be at the forefront of technological research and early stage development.
One possible activity to support this goal is the construction of technology campuses. A future
where the region’s legacy cities are strengthened rather than abandoned, and the use of land near
existing infrastructure to promote efficient economic growth were preferred. Concentrating
resources to boost the existing infrastructure might also include high-speed connections to attract
and retain businesses. Creating livable wage jobs and making sure that the workforce has the
needed skills to fill these jobs are highly desired initiatives.
How do we get there?
Identify and share resources. Fund opportunities for growth
Identify our weaknesses and address these
Assist communities develop their own vision while looking for common themes and
opportunities to partner
Encourage collaboration in general, and with the higher education network to support
community vision, boost entrepreneurship, and match students to available careers
Encourage private sector to support education, training and entrepreneurial activity; more
partnerships between public/private entities
Increased communication between public/private sectors so that local governments can
better respond to needs
Support actions to fund infrastructure projects
Assist strong communities with resources to complete infrastructure needed for business
parks that attract technology clusters
Redevelopment funding and local regulation that provides incentives to redevelop urban
cores and boost the local economy; support clean/green initiatives in the region
Funding that assists the location of midstream and downstream companies close to gas
pipelines in our region
Staff/Capacity of District to support the CEDS
NEFCO maintains sufficient capacity to support regional economic development planning efforts
for the four-county area. Three full-time staff are involved in economic development activities,
with one of those members chiefly responsible for the economic development program. A
change to staffing of the program is anticipated in 2017 to fill a vacancy created in January 2017.
A key emphasis of NEFCO’s program is to assist entities in the region with questions and
guidance needed to benefit from EDA’s grant programs and initiatives. The map on page 12
illustrates the level of EDA dollars invested in the region since the 1980s.
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Matching funds that support NEFCO’s economic development program are committed for the
current fiscal year through June 2017, after which NEFCO’s General Policy Board will consider
the FY2018 budget.
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Report on Economic Development Activities
The following activities were undertaken to support and implement NEFCO’s CEDS Update:
Shale Energy Strategy
A report on NEFCO’s partnership with The Ohio State University and three other Economic
Development Districts in Ohio to develop a Utica shale strategy for the shale-rich area of the
state addressed has been completed. However, the group continues to discuss ways to collaborate
in order to reduce the negative consequences of the oil and gas industry on local communities.
Funded under the EDA’s “Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership,” the strategy
suggested areas of business expansion that would occur under a shale boom, and recommended
ways to create a sustainable shale economy. The strategy also identified potential business
activities complementary to the shale development industry that could survive a shale bust cycle,
proactively addressing the eventual reduction of shale development activities by diversifying the
regional economy.
Bits and Atoms Innovation Center
After being awarded with an EDA Public Works grant in 2014, the City of Akron’s plans for the
location of the Bits and Atoms Innovation Center changed. As a result, it was required to re-
apply for EDA funds, and Akron was awarded with a $2.5 million grant in 2016. NEFCO’s
assistance to the City will allow it to remodel a portion of a University of Akron to house the
Bits and Atoms Innovation Center. This new location will create a visible space in the heart of
downtown and will strengthen the partnership between the University and Akron. The Center
will assist the public with product development and provide maker space and other supportive
services to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
Former Chrysler Stamping Plant redeveloped
NEFCO’s involvement in an EDA-funded strategy after the closure of the Chrysler Stamping
Plant in Twinsburg assisted the City with the redevelopment of this 34-acre plant. In 2016,
redevelopment of this brownfield property attracted the interest of two businesses. Amazon has
opened a 24,000 square-foot package handling facility and National DCP will open a 81,000
square-foot supply chain center for Dunkin Donuts.
Disaster Resiliency Planning
NEFCO continues to compile information on disaster resiliency planning and how this is being
implemented in the NEFCO region. Efforts will continue throughout the year to study the State
of Ohio’s disaster management plan and how the plans of local and/or regional governments
complement the State’s priorities.
Performance Evaluation by EDA
NEFCO staff participated in a performance evaluation by EDA in 2016.
Economic Development Conditions within the Region
Staff closely monitors the effects of economic changes on the region. Significant closures are
reported to the Economic Development Representative (EDR), and, when appropriate, meetings
are requested to discuss projects that will assist a community with efforts to address economic
challenges.
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Media References
Media references to potential and funded EDA projects, along with updates on their outcomes,
were provided to the Economic Development Representative for Ohio.
Involvement on Regional Committees
NEFCO staff serve a member of the Technical Assistance Committee (TAC) for a regional
transportation planning agency. Additionally, as a TAC member, assistance is provided to help
Summit County communities with the implementation of the Ohio Public Works Commission
infrastructure projects program.
Six years ago, NEFCO began its involvement in a twelve-county effort funded by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Partnership for Sustainable
Communities. In 2014, the Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium (NEOSCC)
issued the VibrantNEO 2040 Regional Vision, and NEFCO’s General Policy Board adopted this
vision document in 2014. As a member of the NEOSCC, NEFCO provided guidance and
expertise, and continues to participate in the next phase of this regional effort to develop a
sustainable future for Northeast Ohio. Throughout the process, the NEOSCC engaged residents,
elected officials and experts in the 12-county region to identify choices to make now to create a
vibrant, resilient and sustainable future.
Updates and communication
Staff communicates opportunities and provides updates on issues that affect the region on at least
a monthly basis to its members. NEFCO’s monthly General Policy Board meetings provide a
forum for this communication. Time-sensitive information on new initiatives and other
information are e-mailed to economic development and planning professionals. Agency
newsletters are published almost quarterly and distributed throughout the region, communicating
public events, meetings of importance to the region, and the dates of the public General Policy
Board meetings. NEFCO’s board meetings also provide opportunities to feature speakers on
topics selected by staff and board members.
Planning assistance
NEFCO assisted areas officials, community leaders, and professionals with various projects of
importance to local communities. Since the publication of the 2013 CEDS Update, NEFCO has
met with representatives of Congressmen Tim Ryan; Senator Sherrod Brown; the State Auditor’s
office; the Cities of Akron, Barberton, Canton, Massillon, North Canton, New Franklin, Norton,
Ravenna, and Wooster; Copley Township; Ravenna Township; the Austen Bioinnovation
Institute in Akron; the Greater Akron Chamber; JumpStart, Inc.; MAGNET; Portage
Development Board; Portage County; a private consultant; Stark Development Board; academics
from Kent State, University of Akron, and Stark State College; and other entities seeking EDA
assistance.
Implementation assistance
NEFCO has provided letters of support for members and other entities whose projects and goals
complement NEFCO’s. Staff continues to assist local governments with the implementation of
infrastructure investments and programs. In 2016, NEFCO participated in the Ohio Public
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Works Commission infrastructure projects program as a Technical Advisory Committee member
of Summit County’s District 8 Public Works Integrating Committee.
Technical Assistance
NEFCO staff provides information to the public and private sectors on critical issues affecting
the region. Some examples of this assistance includes updated Census data and notification of
when new information is released, federal and state legislative updates, and funding notices.
NEFCO’s administration of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-funded brownfields
assessment grant has made the agency a critical resource for brownfields redevelopment
planning. Additionally, staff’s close relationship with the U.S. EPA and the Ohio EPA allows
NEFCO to assist its members in obtaining quick answers to questions on environmental issues.
Evaluation of Progress on Action Plan and Goals
Progress toward achieving goals and performance measures
1. Support programs that diversify local and regional economies and which build a strong
regional economy capable of recovering from natural disasters and economic setbacks.
Shale energy strategy funded by EDA -- NEFCO was involved in the last year of the
development of an EDA-funded shale energy strategy for a 25-county, shale-rich region of
eastern Ohio. Staff shared information with professionals and leaders in our region and
participated in meetings and calls with project partners. The partnership culminated in a day-
long meeting to present individual shale strategies which are included in a separate section of
this Annual Performance Report. Meetings between NEFCO staff, researchers from The
Ohio State University Extension, NEFCO’s Regional CEDS committee, and interested
parties provided a forum to discuss trends and issues related to shale energy development.
The strategy, funded in 2013 by EDA, provides a sustainable approach to job
creation/retention by developing a business inventory and training for local officials faced
with a growing shale industry.
Economic development work group for a 12-county vision – NEFCO participated in
efforts to continue to support and implement VibrantNEO 2040, a vision document
completed by the Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium (NEOSCC) with
assistance from local governments and regional entities such as NEFCO. Funding ended in
2014; however, staff attends regular meetings to discuss the implementation of this vision
across northeast Ohio.
2. Encourage the development of industries that support Northeast Ohio’s economic
clusters – One way in which NEFCO determines the merit of a potential project is to
evaluate how it addresses existing northeast Ohio clusters. NEFCO refers to a list of targeted
industries that are specific to the four-county region and which are identified as priorities by
JobsOhio, the State’s private, non-profit, corporation created to lead Ohio’s economic
development efforts.
Support the efforts of the State’s economic development organization – Through another
federal program managed by NEFCO, staff has met with members of TeamNEO and
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JobsOhio, the state’s private economic development organization and its local contact.
NEFCO learns of the state’s new initiatives and conveys this information to members.
3. Build intergovernmental and public-private partnerships that place a high value on
working cooperatively to address the region’s needs – NEFCO’s General Policy Board
and Regional CEDS committee represent the collaboration between public and private
sectors within the region as they make decisions affecting the regional economy. The private
sector makes up the majority of NEFCO’s Regional CEDS committee. This is especially
valuable in guiding NEFCO’s shale energy strategy activities, funded in part by an Investing
in Manufacturing Communities Partnership grant awarded to The Ohio State University.
Through activities funded by EDA’s partnership planning grant and by a U.S. EPA grant,
NEFCO has formed trusted partnerships with private developers, property owners, regional
chambers, and development organizations. Through these public-private efforts, NEFCO has
been a leader in creating and retaining jobs through economic development projects.
4. Promote the redevelopment of blighted, underused, or vacant and environmentally-
challenged sites with high market potential -- NEFCO has been involved in many
activities that directly address this goal. The NEOSCC identifies the remediation and reuse
of vacant industrial sites as a priority. NEFCO also is the lead recipient of FFY 2012 and
FFY 2014 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Assessment Coalition grants,
which fund the assessment of brownfield properties, and recently applied for a FFY 2017
grant. As the manager of the Summit Brownfields Revitalization Program, NEFCO is
directly involved in activities to encourage brownfields redevelopment. NEFCO’s
involvement in brownfields assessment and redevelopment has led to the reuse of several
Summit County properties, and the provision of ongoing technical assistance to an auto-
closure community that received an EDA grant. Staff also provides technical assistance to its
members and to others in northeast Ohio, informing the public and private sector of how
these EPA grants can help jumpstart redevelopment. To date, no projects have led to
applications for EDA grants; however, it is still relatively early since NEFCO’s involvement
precedes remediation. NEFCO will continue outreach efforts to inform Summit County
communities of this opportunity to jumpstart brownfields redevelopment and promote
sustainable development through the reuse of existing underused properties and facilities. To
date, NEFCO has been actively involved in the environmental assessment of over 20
properties, leading to the generation of over $41 million in private investment and the
creation or retention of over 250 jobs.
5. Support existing programs that build human capital – NEFCO continues to assist its
communities with obtaining assistance to create and retain jobs and strengthen the regional
economy through economic diversification and innovation. Recent assistance was provided
to the City of Akron with its application for an EDA grant to fund the remodeling of a
building for the Bits and Atoms Innovation Center and to the City of Canton for an
infrastructure funding request. This project, which was funded in 2016, will promote
entrepreneurship through the provision of maker space and education to the general public.
6. Promote programs that support sustainability and quality of life for the region – Many
of NEFCO’s programs directly promote sustainable development. Participation on a
transportation advisory committee for the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study,
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the assessment of brownfields in Summit County and provision of brownfield technical
assistance to the region’s communities, and NEFCO’s participation on a steering committee
to develop a food hub support the goals of encouraging sustainable development and
walkable communities.
Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium – NEFCO has participated in this
effort to identify how to implement recommendations from VibrantNEO’s final report.
Schedule of Goals for 2017 and Program of Activities
2017 Goals and Objectives
The following Goals and Objectives have been reviewed and approved by NEFCO.
Support programs that diversify local and regional economies and which build a strong
regional economy capable of recovering from natural disasters and economic setbacks.
Objectives: • Encourage programs and projects that create and retain jobs
• Support technology and entrepreneurial development by attending pertinent meetings
• Support efforts that will make the region more globally competitive
Encourage the development of industries that support Northeast Ohio’s economic clusters.
Objectives:
• Support projects that contribute toward strengthening the region’s targeted industries adopted
by the NEFCO General Policy Board
• Support activities that complement targeted as well as other existing industries in the region
• Whenever possible, efforts of the Summit Brownfields Revitalization Program will
complement those of JobsOhio to create opportunities for businesses in targeted industries
Build intergovernmental and public-private partnerships that place a high value on
working cooperatively to address the region’s needs.
Objectives:
• Support projects that are consistent with a general plan of the appropriate unit of government
• Support collaborative efforts in order to reduce duplication in services and resources
• Seek opportunities to collaborate and pool organizational resources.
Promote the redevelopment of blighted, underused, or vacant and environmentally-
challenged sites with high market potential.
Objectives:
• Hold public meetings in 2017 to inform communities and individuals of the Summit
Brownfields Revitalization Program
• Continue to refine the brownfields assessment program and participate in training and
education related to brownfields assessment
• Work with entities experienced in brownfields clean-up to better serve recipients of U.S.
EPA assessment program
• Explore the possibility of applying for a U.S. EPA brownfields revolving loan fund to better
assist communities with redevelopment of brownfields
• Support projects that preserve greenspace, either through innovative design or through
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measures taken to ensure more compact development
• Consider public health outcomes of brownfields redevelopment and work toward the
assessment of properties to improve public health
Support existing programs that build human capital. Objectives:
• Continue as a board member of the Great Lakes Regional Training Initiative in order to
identify gaps in economic development training and to provide opportunities for University
Centers and Economic Development Districts to more effectively serve Region 5.
• Promote projects that create and retain living wage jobs
• Gain an understanding of the region’s programs and resources for workforce development by
attending a minimum of one meeting per calendar year
• Support the continued growth and success of programs that train or develop workers and
entrepreneurs
• Support programs that address the lack of job opportunities in Northeast Ohio
• Consider activities that will implement recommendations of the shale strategy to improve
communities heavily involved in the oil and gas industry
Promote programs that support sustainability and quality of life for the region.
Objectives:
• Support economic development possibilities tied to the local food industry and activities that
improve the local food infrastructure
• Assist with efforts to structure next steps for the Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities
Consortium (NEOSCC); help to move toward implementation of measures recommended by
the NEOSCC to create a sustainable region.
The goals listed above provide a structure for NEFCO’s economic development activities. The
following table portrays NEFCO’s anticipated schedule for meeting these goals. Progress
toward meeting performance objectives outlined in the 2016 CEDS is ongoing. To obtain
information needed to meet objectives, staff contacts appropriate local entities for these data,
which are then reported to EDA in the Government Performance and Results Act report.
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2017 Schedule for Goals and Action Items
Action
Plan
Element Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Goal 1: Diversify and build a resilient regional economy
Disaster resiliency planning A, C, F
Develop viable projects for
the 2017 CEDS D, E, F, G
NEOSCC participation
A,B,C,D,
E,F,G
Monitor changes in the
regional economy A,D,F
Continue shale energy
strategy A,D,F,G
Assist communities
responding to economic
restructuring and layoffs A, D
Identify communities facing
economic distress and notify
those eligible for EDA
assistance A,D,F
Goal 2: Support industries that strengthen NE Ohio's economic clusters
Attend meetings that
support
technology/entrepreneurial
development A, E, G
Identify communities facing
economic distress and notify
those eligible for EDA
assistance A,D,F
Support JobsOhio program A,D
Share Census Bureau
information and updates A,D,E,G
Action Plan Elements
A: Promote economic development and opportunity
B: Foster effective transportation access
C: Enhance and protect environment
D: Maximize effective development and workforce consistent with existing workforce investment strategies
E: Promote technology
F: Balance resources through sound management
G: Utilize adequate funds and other resources
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Action
Plan
Element Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Goal 3: Work cooperatively with public-private interests
Identify communities facing
economic distress and notify
those eligible for EDA
assistance A,D,F
Follow up/implementation
of Shale energy strategy A,D,F,G
Pursue cooperative effort to
identify vacant industrial/
commercial properties
A, B, C,
F, G
Publish NEFCO Forum
newsletters
A,B,C,D,
E,G
Goal 4: Promote the redevelopment of vacant and blighted properties
Explore the use of EDA
funds for viable projects
identified in NEFCO's
brownfields inventory
A, B, C,
D, F, G
Explore regional interest in
applying for a USEPA
brownfields revolving loan
fund; form Coalition A, B, C, G
Receive training and
updates in brownfields
redevelopment C, F, G
Identify communities facing
economic distress and notify
those eligible for EDA
assistance A,D,F
Build brownfields database;
assess properties B,C,F,G
Pursue cooperative effort to
identify vacant industrial/
commercial properties
A, B,C, F,
G
Action Plan Elements
A: Promote economic development and opportunity
B: Foster effective transportation access
C: Enhance and protect environment
D: Maximize effective development and workforce consistent with existing workforce investment strategies
E: Promote technology
F: Balance resources through sound management
G: Utilize adequate funds and other resources
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Action
Plan
Element Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Goal 5: Support programs that build human capital
Share Census Bureau
information and updates A,D,E,G
Follow up/implementation
of Shale energy strategy A,D,F,G
Network with Great Lakes
Regional Training Initiative
partners A, D, G
Support JobsOhio program A,D
Goal 6: Promote sustainability and an increased quality of life for the region
Follow up/implementation
of Shale energy strategy A,D,F,G
Implementation of strategy
for Twinsburg to address
auto plant closure A,B
Action Plan Elements
A: Promote economic development and opportunity
B: Foster effective transportation access
C: Enhance and protect environment
D: Maximize effective development and workforce consistent with existing workforce investment strategies
E: Promote technology
F: Balance resources through sound management
G: Utilize adequate funds and other resources
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Table 6 2017 Regional Projects
Project Location NEFCO Member Projected Jobs
Created/Retained
Brimfield Water Line Brimfield Township Portage County 50+
Mats Road Bridge Mantua Village Portage County 50+
Ravenna Water Line Ravenna Township Portage County 50+
Richville Drive Economic
Development corridor
City of Massillon Stark County Not available
Stark County Farm
Economic Development
Project
Village of Navarre Stark County Not available
Mahoning Road Economic
Development Corridor
City of Canton Canton Not available
Cleveland-Massillon Road
Project
Village of Clinton Summit County Not available
Cochran Road Industrial
Park
City of Cuyahoga
Falls
Summit County 475
Gateway Sanitary Sewer and
Water
City of Norton Summit County 50-100
Greenwich Road Sanitary
Pump
City of Norton Summit County 50
Regional Justice Center City of Barberton Summit County 10-20/80
Water Line Extension New Franklin Summit Count 40 retained
Munroe Road City of Akron Akron Not available
Akron Road Industrial Park
Connector
City of Wooster Wooster 400
BioHio Research Park City of Wooster Wooster Up to 50
Note: Projects on the list are organized by county and are not ranked.
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Vital Projects
The process of identifying and prioritizing projects, programs and activities that address the
NEFCO region’s needs and enhance economic competitiveness relies on assistance from county
and city coordinators. These coordinators solicit their local governments and communities for
economic development projects in need of funds that are not typically eligible under other
federal and state programs. The projects identified in this CEDS represent the preferences of the
economic development and/or planning departments of NEFCO’s dues-paying members. In
many cases they have been approved by a member’s governing body (County Executive/
Commissioners and city/county councils).
Table 5 lists the economic development priorities for the NEFCO region, the organization
responsible for execution, and possible sources of funding.
Table 7 – Vital Projects
Project Sources of funding Lead organization
responsible for execution Tier I Projects - Highest Priority (in alphabetical order)
BioHio Research Park State, EDA, University City of Wooster
Mahoning Road ED Corridor Local, State, EDA City of Canton
Richville Drive ED Corridor Local, State, EDA City of Massillon
Stark County Farm ED
Project
EDA, Village of Navarre,
Private Stark County Board of Trade
Tier II - Moderate Priority (in alphabetical order)
Cochran Road Industrial Park Local, State, EDA City of Cuyahoga Falls
Akron Road Industrial Park
Connector Local, State, EDA City of Wooster
Greenwich Road Sanitary
Sewer
Local, State, EDA
City of Norton
Regional Justice Center Local, State, EDA City of Barberton
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Appendix A
Project Selection Criteria
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CEDS Selection Criteria for EDA Construction Projects
2017
1. Economic Distress. The purpose of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to
create and/or retain private sector jobs and to alleviate unemployment and underemployment.
Projects located in areas of high unemployment and low Per Capita Income (PCI) will
receive more points. Unemployment for the most recent 24-month period using U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics (BLS) will be calculated, when possible, for the entity or county in which
the project is located. Small communities that are not covered by BLS statistics may provide
independent studies for the Committee to consider in assigning points, use the county rate, or
document distress using statistics as the Census Tract level. Applicants may use whichever
statistic gives the project more points, but only one point category can be selected.
Unemployment rate greater than 1 percentage 8 points
point above the U.S. rate /PCI is
80 percent or less than the national PCI/
Meets EDA Special Need criteria
Unemployment rate less than or equal to 5 points
1 percentage point above the U.S. rate/
PCI is 81-89 percent of the U.S. PCI
Unemployment rate equal to the U.S. rate/ 3 points
PCI is 91-99 percent of the U.S. PCI
Unemployment rate less than or equal to 1 point
1 percentage point below the U.S. rate/PCI
Equals the U.S. rate
Unemployment rate greater than 1 percentage 0 points
point below the U.S. rate/ Per capita income
exceeds 100 percent of the U.S. rate
2. EDA funds requested will be used to: Build or renovate a facility for manufacturing/ 10 points
industrial/business incubator use or construct
infrastructure to directly serve a manufacturing/
industrial development/expansion
Build or renovate a facility for office/ 6 points
service/information technology use
Build or renovate a facility for a retail/commercial use 2 points
Construct infrastructure to directly serve a 2 points
retail/commercial development/expansion
Construct or support an infrastructure/ 2 points
transportation project as part of a general road
network (not solely serving a development)
Build or renovate a community facility 0 points 3. EDA’s National Strategic Priorities. EDA has identified a set of national priorities. Projects
that address these priorities will receive one point for each, up to a maximum of 5 points.
Documentation is required in order to receive a point.
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a. Clean energy
b. Green technologies
c. Sustainable manufacturing
d. Information technology infrastructure (where lacking) – for eg. Broadband, smartgrid
e. Auto industry restructuring
f. Natural disaster mitigation
g. Access to capital for small to medium-sized and ethnically diverse enterprises
h. Innovations in science, healthcare and alternative fuel technologies
4. How many full-time jobs are expected to be created and/or retained by the project over the next 9 years? (i.e. do not count part-time or contractual jobs).
50 jobs or more 6 points Up to 49 jobs 3 points 5. Quality of Jobs Created. The average hourly base wage rate of the jobs created (excluding
benefits) is at or above 200% of the federal minimum wage. 3 points
6. Environmental considerations. Assign 2 points for each criterion met below:
Project will tap into or link to existing infrastructure that is between 0 to ½ mile from the site.
Project design goes beyond basic permitting, building or zoning requirements to incorporate or preserve an environmental or historic feature on the site.
Project involves the adoption of and adherence to Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) guidelines.
7. Reuse of land or buildings. Project is located on a brownfield site or promotes reuse of an
existing facility. Brownfields are defined by ORC 122.65 as “abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial, commercial or institutional property where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by known or potential releases of hazardous substances or petroleum.” Presence of brownfield must be documented to receive the points.
4 points
8. Cooperation. Project represents a partnership between 2 or more eligible applicants as defined by 13 Code of Federal Regulations, section 300.2 (for example, a local government, community development corporation or a university). A partnership is characterized by the commitment of money or in-kind services.
3 points
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9. The project contributes to the region’s key industries. Projects will receive 5 points for identifying a potential tenant or client engaged in activities below. Projects will not receive any points for this item unless an applicant can identify a potential tenant, community plan or client that proposes specific activities that would fit into these categories (based on the intended/planned construction). For retention projects, consider this question on the basis of known contributions to the key industries below.
a. Advanced Materials and Polymers (eg. chemicals, plastics, liquid crystals)
b. Aerospace and Aviation (eg. R & D and manufacturing)
c. Agri-business and Food Processing (eg. food safety, ag-bio R & D)
d. Automotive (eg. manufacturing involving auto suppliers and supply chains)
e. Bioscience and Bioproducts (e.g. research, health innovations)
f. Corporate and Professional Services (eg. finance, IT)
g. Instruments and Controls (eg. production of high-tech electronic equipment used in
production, new product development and quality assurance)
h. Energy (eg. advanced and alternate energy systems and innovations, oil and gas)
i. Metals (eg. steel, aluminum)
j. Transportation and Logistics (eg. processes/products that support transportation
efficiencies)
0 or 5 points 10. Local coordination. Project being proposed is in accordance with the local plan of the area in
which it is located (plan must be submitted in order for committee to determine whether or how many points are to be awarded).
3 points may be awarded as determined by the Regional CEDS committee
11. Local support. Local share is essential to the development of a project. High priority will be
given to projects which have a high percentage of local participation as a portion of total project costs. In kind contributions must be specified. Do not include staff time.
Calculate: Local share (in-kind , public, private funds) Total Project Costs 70% or greater 6 points 50 - 69% 3 points 30 - 49% 1 point less than 30% 0 points
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12. Planning completed. Give the project two points for each step already completed in the following planning process, and be prepared to provide documentation.
a. Land/Building acquisition/Title acquired b. Engineering design studies completed c. Availability/completion of necessary environmental studies d. Construction plans drawn e. Plans approved by appropriate government agency f. Local match promised g. Local match secured
Total number of points ___________ 13. Readiness to proceed. Many projects are listed in the CEDS, but are in various stages of
their readiness to proceed with the EDA application. Priority is given to projects that are closer to applying to EDA for funding. Please use realistic measures when scoring.
Application already submitted and project is listed in 12 points NEFCO’s CEDS Actively working with NEFCO to submit 4 points application within 1-3 months Actively working with NEFCO to submit application 3 points within 4-6 months Expect to submit application within 6-12 months 1 point Not sure when application will be submitted 0 points Approved by the NEFCO General Policy Board, December 19, 2012
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CEDS Selection Criteria for EDA Non-Construction Projects
2017
1. Economic Distress. The purpose of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to
create and/or retain private sector jobs and to alleviate unemployment and underemployment.
Projects located in areas of high unemployment and low Per Capita Income (PCI) will
receive more points. Unemployment for the most recent 24-month period using U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics (BLS) will be calculated, when possible, for the entity or county in which
the project is located. Small communities that are not covered by BLS statistics may provide
independent studies for the Committee to consider in assigning points, use the county rate, or
document distress using statistics as the Census Tract level. Applicants may use whichever
statistic gives the project more points, but only one point category can be selected.
Unemployment rate greater than 1 percentage 8 points
point above the U.S. rate /PCI is
80 percent or less than the national PCI/
Meets EDA Special Need criteria
Unemployment rate less than or equal to 5 points
1 percentage point above the U.S. rate/
PCI is 81-89 percent of the U.S. PCI
Unemployment rate equal to the U.S. rate/ 3 points
PCI is 91-99 percent of the U.S. PCI
Unemployment rate less than or equal to 1 point
1 percentage point below the U.S. rate/PCI
Equals the U.S. rate
Unemployment rate greater than 1 percentage 0 points
point below the U.S. rate/ Per capita income
exceeds 100 percent of the U.S. rate
2. EDA funds requested will be used to: Directly support the industrial/manufacturing sector 10 points
Directly support high tech/innovation industries 10 points
Support plans related to infrastructure/transportation
projects that are directly related to creating high-tech,
high quality jobs 10 points
Support businesses that will primarily be involved in the
service industry or information technology 6 points
Support businesses that are primarily retail/commercial 2 points
Support plans directly related to stand-alone infrastructure/
transportation projects unrelated to the creation of high
quality jobs 2 points
Support plans for a community facility 0 points
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3. EDA’s National Strategic Priorities. EDA has identified a set of national priorities. Projects
that address these priorities will receive one point for each, up to a maximum of 5 points.
Documentation is required in order to receive a point.
a. Clean energy
b. Green technologies
c. Sustainable manufacturing
d. Information technology infrastructure (where lacking) – for eg. Broadband, smartgrid
e. Auto industry restructuring
f. Natural disaster mitigation
g. Access to capital for small to medium-sized and ethnically diverse enterprises
h. Innovations in science, healthcare and alternative fuel technologies
4. How many full-time jobs are expected to be created and/or retained by the project over the next 9 years? (i.e. do not count part-time or contractual jobs).
50 jobs or more 6 points Up to 49 jobs 3 points 5. Quality of Jobs Created. The average hourly base wage rate of the jobs created (excluding
benefits) is at or above 200% of the federal minimum wage. 3 points
6. Cooperation. Project represents a partnership between 2 or more eligible applicants as defined by 13 Code of Federal Regulations, section 300.2 (for example, a local government, community development corporation or a university). A partnership is characterized by the commitment of money or in-kind services.
3 points 7. The project contributes to the region’s key industries. Projects will receive 5 points for
identifying a potential tenant or client engaged in activities below. Projects will not receive any points for this item unless an applicant can identify a potential tenant, community plan or client that proposes specific activities that would fit into these categories (based on the intended/planned construction). For retention projects, consider this question on the basis of known contributions to the key industries below.
a. Advanced Materials and Polymers (eg. chemicals, plastics, liquid crystals)
b. Aerospace and Aviation (eg. R & D and manufacturing)
c. Agri-business and Food Processing (eg. food safety, ag-bio R & D)
d. Automotive (eg. manufacturing involving auto suppliers and supply chains)
e. Bioscience and Bioproducts (e.g. research, health innovations)
f. Corporate and Professional Services (eg. finance, IT)
g. Instruments and Controls (eg. production of high-tech electronic equipment used in
production, new product development and quality assurance)
(continued on next page)
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h. Energy (eg. advanced and alternate energy systems and innovations, oil and gas)
i. Metals (eg. steel, aluminum)
j. Transportation and Logistics (eg. processes/products that support transportation
efficiencies)
0 or 5 points
8. Local support. Local share is essential to the development of a project. High priority will be
given to projects which have a high percentage of local participation as a portion of total project costs. In kind contributions must be specified. Do not include staff time.
Calculate: Local share (in-kind , public, private funds) Total Project Costs 70% or greater 6 points 50 - 69% 3 points 30 - 49% 1 point less than 30% 0 points 9. Readiness to proceed. Many projects are listed in the CEDS, but are in various stages of
their readiness to proceed with the EDA application. Priority is given to projects that are closer to applying to EDA for funding. Please use realistic measures when scoring.
Application already submitted and project is listed in 12 points NEFCO’s CEDS Actively working with NEFCO to submit 4 points application within 1-3 months Actively working with NEFCO to submit application 3 points within 4-6 months Expect to submit application within 6-12 months 1 point Not sure when application will be submitted 0 points 10. The project is submitted by a NEFCO member or by a community represented by NEFCO. 5 points Approved by the NEFCO General Policy Board, December 19, 2012