Community &
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.

Services Provided Include:

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 infrastructure such as roads, water systems, and public buildings is essential to the quality of life in Oklahoma’s towns and cities. It supports local growth, attracts businesses, and keeps communities running smoothly.

But with shrinking federal funding and growing needs, especially in rural areas, communities must be strategic with limited resources.

That’s where a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) comes in.

A CIP is a long-term planning tool that helps communities:

Identify infrastructure needs
Prioritize projects
Align budgets with goals

It also includes a Capital Budget for near-term investments.

A well-executed CIP:

Reduces crisis-driven decisions
Improves efficiency and coordination
Strengthens fiscal discipline and credit ratings
Supports sustainable, goal-driven growth
Encourages transparency and public input

With the right plan in place, Oklahoma communities can build a strong, resilient future—even in times of financial uncertainty.

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.

For more information, contact:

Kiannah McCutcheon, CED Specialist

Kmccutcheon@eoddok.org

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.

For more information, contact:

Scott Harding, Executive Director

Sharding@eoddok.org