Community Economic Analysis

The CEA Program is meant to be part of a broader and longer-term community economic development process. It should be considered when there is demonstrated interest in the community to focus on local economic development and a commitment to act on shared priorities.

Communities often want to do something to change their local economies. They are typically interested in providing satisfactory jobs and incomes for current and future residents of the community. Community Economic Analysis (CEA) examines how a community functions economically and provides useful information for decision-makers.

Our Community Economic Analysis program can be tailored to fit the local situation. The program usually involves three or four 2-hour meetings over a span of three to four weeks. We use a variety of analytical tools to achieve the following:

• a better understanding of the broader economic structure;
• a closer look at the community’s local economic structure;
• an appreciation of the various strategies for economic development that a community can pursue;
• a self-assessment of community economic development preparedness; and
• consensus-building and action planning focused on local economic development.

What Does It Take to Make This Happen?

The CEA program will take a few months to organize and prepare for and another month to deliver. To begin this process, consider:

• Step 1 – Assess local interest
• Step 2 – Form a working group (include a diversity of local organizations and groups and community leaders)
• Step 3 – Determine participation, dates, content, and resources
• Step 4 – Conduct the program
• Step 5 – Follow-up on local action planning and additional educational needs