The region develops the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) every five years as a guide to understanding the regional economy and crafting goals, strategies and actions to create jobs, raise income levels, diversify the economy, and improve the quality of life. The plan is compiled by MCEDD and follows the guidelines required by the US Economic Development Administration.
2027 CEDS in Development
We are excited to announce the launch of the process to develop our next five-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy! The process brings together key public and private sector participants from around the region to assess community needs, identify industry sector focus areas and establish a strategy that can be implemented by partners throughout the region. This work happens over a series of six meetings that each include a workshop and an optional site visit to one of our region’s growing businesses. One event will happen in each of our six counties to highlight our key industries and economic development assets.
Meeting Details
| Date | Focus Area | Location | Registration |
| July 23, 2026 | Demographics and Data: A summary background of the economic development conditions of the region, including resilience concerns. Optional post-session industry tour: WKO’s Mill in Carson.
Skamania County Overview – July 2026 |
Skamania County: Hegewald Center, 710 SW Rock Creek Dr, Stevenson WA | Registration is now closed. |
| Sept. 24, 2026 | Sector Focus Areas, including more in-depth industry cluster analysis and how resilient each is. Optional post-session industry tour: energy resilience projects at Klickitat Valley Health.
Klickitat County Overview – Sept 2026 IPRE Economic Data, Industry Sectors Presentation – Sept 2026 |
Klickitat County: Goldendale Observatory, 1600 Observatory Dr., Goldendale, WA | Registration is now closed. |
| Oct. 15, 2026 | Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, including resiliency focus. Optional post-session industry tour: CGCC’s Skills Center. View the draft agenda here. | Wasco County: Lecture Hall, Columbia Gorge Community College, 400 E. Scenic Dr., The Dalles | Register here! |
| Nov. 5, 2026 | Vision and Goals, utilizing the annual Columbia Gorge Economic Symposium for even broader participation. | Hood River County: The Ruins, 13 Railroad Ave., Hood River | Register here! |
| Jan. 2027 | Strategies: Development of strategies under each Goal Area | Sherman County | TBD |
| Feb. 2027 | Measuring Success: Crafting metrics to show progress. | Gilliam County | TBD |
Get Involved
- Commit your business/ organization to sponsoring the strategy development. Learn more here.
- Sign up to be included in notices about the events. Contact Jennifer.
Looking for the 2022 CEDS? The 2022-2027 Columbia Gorge Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy is here, including the full document and summaries in English and Spanish.