MACOG, an Economic Development District designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), facilitates public-private partnerships to implement a coordinated regional economic development strategy. This designation, driven by its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), strengthens regional collaboration and unlocks access to EDA funding opportunities for communities within the district.

The CEDS serves as a five-year plan, analyzing regional assets and challenges, articulating a shared vision for economic prosperity, and detailing specific strategies to achieve regional goals. These strategies focus on key areas such as fostering world-class higher education and community partnerships, improving access and connectivity (including infrastructure and broadband), and cultivating high-performing communities characterized by economic vitality and quality of life. Regular performance reports track and record progress toward achieving the CEDS objectives.

In 2024, MACOG began updating our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to assess economic conditions and priorities for the next five years (2025-2029). The first step in this process involved forming a Steering Committee to guide and oversee the Plan's development. This committee comprises local economic development organizations (LEDOs), the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership, local government officials, private sector business owners, economic specialists, representatives from community foundations, educators, and experts in transportation and broadband.

To refine our vision and goals, MACOG held bi-monthly committee meetings where we analyzed our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). MACOG conducted presentations at the LEDOs’ board meetings and facilitated discussions through a stakeholder survey. Local government officials, private sector representatives, and economic specialists participated in these meetings, where attendees ranked the goals and indicated their priority levels for each objective. The survey results will guide our implementation efforts over the next five years.

A draft of the proposed program of projects is available at area public libraries, MACOG’s office, and on MACOG’s website. A review and comment period begins on March 5, 2025, and extends until April 4, 2025.