Community and Economic Development
What is CED?
EODD’s Community & Economic Development Department provides comprehensive support to communities, local governments, businesses, and civic organizations across a seven-county region. The department is dedicated to fostering economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life in the region through strategic planning, technical assistance, and funding support.
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Services Provided Include:
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Business & Industry Support:
Assistance with the expansion of existing industries and the development of new businesses through collaboration with local governments, chambers of commerce, and other agencies. -
Grant & Loan Assistance:
Guidance in preparing and administering grant and loan applications, including Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), REAP grants, and other state and federal funding opportunities. -
Economic Planning & Research:
Support for long-term economic development planning, including labor force analysis, resource studies, and continuing development programs. -
Community Planning & Infrastructure:
Assistance with Capital Improvement Planning and identifying community needs to guide infrastructure and development projects. -
Data & Mapping Services:
Access to up-to-date census data, demographic trends, and GIS mapping services to support planning and grant applications. -
Main Street & Century Communities Programs:
Support for communities participating in these state programs aimed at revitalizing downtown areas and preserving community character. -
Training & Workshops:
Educational workshops and training sessions for elected officials and community leaders on relevant issues in local governance and development.
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
High-quality capital assets—such as roads, water systems, and public buildings—are essential for maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in Oklahoma’s towns and cities. These critical infrastructures support community development, attract new businesses, and enable population growth.
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Yet, many communities face increasing demands on limited financial resources. Federal funding sources like the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) have been reduced or eliminated, as demonstrated by President Bush’s 2006 budget. This challenge is particularly acute in rural areas, where infrastructure investment needs remain high.
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In this environment, Strategic Planning is not just a best practice—it is a necessity. Strategic planning, especially through the development of a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), allows communities to allocate resources effectively, anticipate future needs, and avoid costly, reactive decisions.
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What is a Capital Improvement Plan?
A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a long-term guide that identifies a community’s infrastructure needs for new construction, reconstruction, operation, and maintenance. It includes a Capital Budget, which aligns specific projects with available fiscal resources for the current year. Together, they help ensure that development remains consistent and goal-oriented, even through political changes.
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Benefits of a CIP Include:
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Reduces crisis-driven decision-making
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Increases operational efficiency across departments
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Promotes fiscal discipline and can improve bond ratings
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Guides sustainable community growth and development
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Brings attention to the condition of existing infrastructure
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Encourages public participation and transparency
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Enables tracking of progress and plan revisions
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Improves coordination between local and state agencies
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Capital planning, when executed properly, transforms a vague wish list into a structured, financially grounded plan of action. It ensures that Oklahoma communities can thrive even amid financial uncertainty, laying the groundwork for long-term growth and stability.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Phipps, CED Director
jphipps@eoddok.org
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Community Development Block Grants are HUD monies distributed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Eligible entities are cities, towns, and county governments. Grant categories include water/wastewater, community revitalization, economic development, regional water/wastewater consolidation, and industrial park loans. Primary focus of grants is infrastructure development.
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For more information, contact:
Kiannah McCutcheon, CED Specialist
The Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP)
The Rural Economic Action Plan of 1996 appropriates money to each of the 11 Sub State Planning Districts of COGS for rural development projects. Grants are available for cities and towns under 7,000 population and unincorporated areas if application is made by a county government. Uses include but are not limited to water, sewer, transportation, community facility, police/fire, or economic development projects.​
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For more information, contact:
Scott Harding, Executive Director
