The CEDS is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development. It provides an opportunity for local leaders, organizations, institutes of learning, and private industries to engage in a meaningful conversation about what capacity-building efforts would best serve economic development in the region. The CEDS provides a summary background of the economic conditions in the region, an analysis of regional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, a vision, goals, and action plan, and an evaluation framework to measure the implementation and impact on the regional economy.