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2026 CNEDD Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Survey

The Central Nebraska Economic Development District is a 14-county regional development organization; one of the eight districts the State of Nebraska is divided into. We provide business, community, and housing economic assistance. Growing our communities is at the forefront of our mission. CNEDD is the largest economic development district with the lowest population density per square mile in Nebraska. Every five years, our CEDS must be updated per the Economic Development Administration.

Thank you for your time in helping us refocus and refine our mission.
1.What county(ies) do you serve in your position?
(select all that apply)
2.Which category best describes your role in your community?
(select all that apply)
3.What projects are currently underway in your community or organization?
(If possible, please include the project name, location, total investment, source(s) of funding, and estimated number of new or retained jobs)
4.Please rate the impact of each strength in the CNEDD region.
Not Impactful
Somewhat Impactful
Impactful
Very Impactful
Extremely Impactful
Agricultural Sector
Manufacturing/Food Processing Sector
Natural Resources
(groundwater, surface water, soil, farmland)
Transportation Infrastructure
Cost of Living
Quality of Life
Post High-School Education
(college, trade, etc.)
Housing Access & Affordability
Outdoor Recreation & Tourism
Skilled Workforce
5.Please rate the impact of each weakness in the CNEDD region.
Not Impactful
Somewhat Impactful
Impactful
Very Impactful
Extremely Impactful
Aging/Dilapidated Housing
Aging Infrastructure
Aging/Shrinking Population
Difficulty Accessing Capital for Startups/Entrepreneurs
Lack of Affordable, Entry-Level Housing?
Lack of Childcare Services
Limited High-Speed Broadband Fiber
Long Distance from Specialized Healthcare Services
Low Wages
Out Migration
(movement of population from rural to urban areas)
Over-Reliance on Agriculture/Manufacturing
Job Opportunities
6.From the perspective of a community leader, please rate the impact of each opportunity in the CNEDD region.
Not Impactful
Somewhat Impactful
Impactful
Very Impactful
Extremely Impactful
Attention/Retention of Young Families/Workers
Expansion of Childcare Availability
Expansion of High-Speed Broadband Fiber
High Pay, High Demand Workforce Development
Creation of New Housing Units
Housing Rehabilitation
Improved Healthcare Accessibility
Improved/Upgraded Outdoor Recreation/Tourism
Increased Community Collaboration
Marketing/Promotion of Region's Assets
Need for More Youths in Trades
7.Please rate the impact of each threat in the CNEDD region.
Not Impactful
Somewhat Impactful
Impactful
Very Impactful
Extremely Impactful
Aging Population
Federal/State Policy Changes/Shifts
Global Economic Forces
(inflation, supply chain disruptions, tariffs, etc.)
Inadequate Infrastructure
(electricity, transportation, water, etc.)
Loss of Adults to Metro Areas
Natural Disasters
Rising Healthcare Costs
Water Scarcity/Groundwater Depletion
Weather Threats
Workforce Shortages
Absentee Home/Land Owners
Business Succession
8.What are your community/county's three most pressing infrastructure needs?
(select up to three options)
9.What are your community/county's three most pressing housing needs?
(select up to three options)
10.What activities would best address the economic development needs of your community?
(select up to three options)
11.What is your community doing to bounce back from disasters?
12.Please share any additional comments you think would help develop our CNEDD Region: