Economic Development

Capabilities

At the core of the mission of CRD is assisting communities and businesses with economic development projects and strategies that enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in Northwest Ohio. CRD collaborates with economic development offices, regional planning organizations, and businesses to provide technical assistance including:

Targeted Industry Analysis
Grant Writing and Administration
Data and Research for Grant Proposals

Our Projects

U.S. 30 Corridor Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

CRD was awarded an Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) grant from the EDA to develop a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the U.S. 30 Corridor, which includes Ashland, Crawford, Richland, and Wyandot Counties in north central Ohio.

Village of Crestline Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

The CRD team led an effort to develop an initial CEDS for the Village of Crestline. The CEDS provides an important mechanism to coordinate economic development efforts, engage stakeholders, and establish a strategic blueprint for a community or region.

4CG Regional Strategic Workforce & Economic Development Strategy

CRD partnered with Poggemeyer Design Group (PDG) on a workforce and economic development planning effort for a group of four counties in northwest Ohio to provide labor and demographic data and analytics and focus group facilitation.

Hardin County Workforce Manufacturing Study

The CRD team analyzed employment in Hardin County with an emphasis on the manufacturing industry sector and production occupations. The study provided a comprehensive look at the demographic, workforce, and industry issues facing Hardin County’s manufacturing sector and provided insight into strengthening its local economy.

Toledo Region Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

CRD received funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to update a CEDS for a group of three counties in northwest Ohio: Lucas, Wood, and Ottawa, which allows the region to be eligible for EDA assistance programs.

Sandusky-Seneca Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

The CEDS is a comprehensive strategy developed by the Center for Regional Development at Bowling Green State University and members of Sandusky and Seneca Counties to help foster economic growth and resiliency.

Logan County Economic Development Strategy

CRD worked with the Logan County Community Improvement Corporation and other community leaders to develop an Economic Strategy for Logan County. Through comprehensive data analysis and robust public engagement efforts, this project provided Logan County with a thoughtful and inclusive strategy for economic growth. This project was a joint effort between CRD and Ohio University, as part of our shared mission as an EDA University Center.

Northwest Ohio Workforce Strategy & Recovery Plan

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded CRD a $555,000 CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to develop a workforce strategy and recovery plan for a four-county region that includes Lucas, Wood, Ottawa and Fulton Counties.

Updated: 09/29/2025 10:17AM