Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

The Merrimack Valley serves as an economic development district (EDD) for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce.  EDA is the main economic development agency of the federal government and works with EDDs throughout the country to promote regional cooperation and job growth.  The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) is the designated liaison between EDA and its constituent communities, which includes the Town of North Andover.

MVPC receives an annual planning grant from EDA, which allows it to develop and manage the Merrimack Valley Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).  Developed in collaboration with leaders from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, the CEDS includes actions to empower communities to create and retain jobs, stimulate growth, and increase innovation and entrepreneurship.  The CEDS is a five-year document, but it is updated annually with statistics and other data that helps MVPC and its stakeholders plan accordingly.

In 2018, MVPC worked with stakeholders throughout the region - including stakeholders from North Andover – to create the 2018-2023 CEDS – Embracing Resilience and Equity for a Prosperous Region.  Over 100 stakeholders were engaged in developing this strategy, which was officially approved by EDA in September of 2018.

The Town of North Andover is currently participating in a process, again being led by MVPC, to update the Merrimack Valley Region's CEDS.  To view documents (agendas, notes, and presentations) related to that process, click here.

The next 5-year CEDS, covering 2023 – 2028, will be completed in June of 2023 and is NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. To view the draft 2023 – 2028 CEDS, click here or the image below, and submit your comments to econdev@mvpc.org, with the subject line “CEDS Public Comment.”