2026 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Request for Proposal

2026 Comprehensive Economic Development (CEDS) Request for Proposal

Request for Proposal (PDF Link) - To be released April 20, 2026

OVERVIEW

Superior California Economic Development (SCED) seeks proposals from qualified consulting firms to prepare its next Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The CEDS will serve as the region’s economic development roadmap and will guide strategic action, investment priorities, collaboration, and resilience planning across the Superior California Economic Development District.

The selected consultant will work closely with staff, board leadership, and a designated CEDS Strategy Committee to produce an EDA-compliant CEDS consistent with 13 C.F.R. § 303.7 and the 2025 EDA CEDS Content Guidelines. The work should be grounded in meaningful stakeholder engagement, current and relevant data, practical implementation planning, and a format that can support future annual performance reporting and five-year updates.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Superior California Economic Development is a regional economic development organization serving Shasta, Siskiyou, Modoc, and Trinity Counties in Northern California. The organization supports regional planning, capital access, project implementation, and works with local governments, tribes, lenders, chambers, employers, educational institutions, and other partners to advance economic opportunity throughout the district.

Located at the northern end of the Sacramento Valley and extending into the far northeastern corner of California, the District borders both Nevada and Oregon. It also connects westward to Del Norte and Humboldt Counties and south to Tehama County. Shasta County, and the City of Redding in particular, functions as the primary commercial hub for the region. The District includes 13 incorporated cities, as well as numerous unincorporated communities, many of which lack formal municipal governance structures.

Spanning approximately 11.3 million acres, the District is home to a population of approximately 244,000 residents and a labor force of roughly 99,000. The regional economy is diverse, with a mix of service-producing, goods-producing, and government sectors, though many communities face persistent economic challenges related to rurality, infrastructure, and workforce capacity.

This project will result in a five-year CEDS that meets the requirements of the U.S. Economic Development Administration and provides a clear, actionable framework for regional priorities. The plan is expected to support future grant applications, strengthen regional coordination, identify priority projects, and help align local, state, tribal, and federal economic development efforts.

The CEDS should reflect current economic conditions and emerging opportunities across the region, while also addressing economic resilience, infrastructure, workforce, housing, business development, and the distinct needs and assets of rural communities.

PROPOSED PROJECT SCHEDULE

  • RFP Issued - April 20, 2026

  • Questions Due - May 8, 2026

  • Responses to Questions Released - May 12, 2026

  • Proposals Due - May 15, 2026

  • Interviews and Selection - May 18 - May 29, 2026

  • Notice to Proceed - June 1, 2026

  • Projeck Kickoff - June 2026

  • Draft CEDS Due - December 2026

  • Public Comment Period - December 2026 - January 2027

  • Final CEDS Completion - March 2027

Download the Proposal - To be released April 20, 2026

QUESTIONS

All questions concerning the RFP will be directed to:

Nikki Espinosa, Program Specialist
nikki@scedd.org
Superior California Economic Development
350 Hartnell Avenue, Suite A, Redding, CA 96002
Office: 530-225-2760