Economic Development
In 1989 WARC's seven-county region was designated an Economic Development District (EDD) by the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The administration approved the region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) prepared by the commission in cooperation with a strategy committee comprised of members from each county. The plan presents a detailed look at the resources, opportunities, problems and needs of the region as well as planned economic development projects and programs. The plan is subject to periodic revision to reflect changing conditions and needs throughout Region 2.
Since 1984 the commission has received planning grants from the Economic Development Administration to aid member governments. In addition, member governments have been eligible to apply for funds for public works projects such as access roads, rail spurs, port facilities, and water and sewer facilities that result in the creation or retention of jobs.
Local governments applying for EDA funds must provide matching funds.
COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNNING
West Alabama Playbook 2027-2031
West Alabama Playbook 2027-2031 APPENDICES
The West Alabama Playbook serves as the District II Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and is designed to bring the citizens, both public and private, together to create strategies to improve the District’s economy. The plan looks at the District’s population, economy, and resources and establishes goals for economic development for the five-year period of 2027-2031.
West Alabama Economic Development Playbook 2022-2026
The West Alabama Economic Development Playbook serves as the District II Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the seven-county west Alabama Economic Development District (EDD) serving Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens, and Tuscaloosa counties. Designed to bring the citizens, both public and private, together to create strategies to improve the District’s economy, the plan looks at the District’s population, economy, and resources and establishes goals for economic development for the five-year period of 2022-2026.
REQUEST FOR COMMENTS
DRAFT: 2026 ANNUAL UPDATE
DISTRICT II COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
The District II Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) known as the West Alabama Economic Development Playbook provides performance updates on an annual basis. This document is in draft form and is currently available for review. Please forward comments on the draft to:
1. West Alabama Regional Commission
P. O. Box 509 Northport, AL 35476
Attn: Cory Johnson / 2026 Annual CEDS Update
2. Email: cory.johnson@westal.org