FREDERICKSBURG — For the first time, the George Washington Regional Commission (GWRC) is creating a comprehensive economic development plan for Planning District 16 — and it wants to hear directly from the community.
GWRC, which serves Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties, as well as the City of Fredericksburg, has launched an online survey to help shape a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The initiative is funded by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and facilitated by GWRC’s consultant, RKG Associates, Inc.
The survey, open through September 15, asks community members how they feel about the region’s current economic climate and what they see as its strengths and weaknesses. According to GWRC Economic Development Program Director Sarah Oldacre, the questions were developed by RKG with input from GWRC staff and the CEDS Strategic Committee.
Responses will help shape a regional SWOT analysis — identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats — and guide future recommendations. Oldacre said the results will be interpreted as a “community report” and used to confirm or refine the region’s economic vision.
While the survey is the first step in public engagement, GWRC plans to host a community meeting once a draft CEDS is complete. The meeting will be advertised and open to all, followed by a public comment period and presentation of the plan to the GWRC Board.
Planning District 16 is one of only four in Virginia without a CEDS. Oldacre said completing the strategy could lead to designation as an Economic Development District by the U.S. Economic Development Administration — a status that would make the region more competitive for federal funding of economic development projects. Without a CEDS, localities are either ineligible or less competitive for most EDA grants.
“This process will provide PD16 with a cohesive regional economic development plan that localities can choose to use individually or collaboratively,” Oldacre said.
The full CEDS process and timeline are available on GWRC’s website at gwregion.org.
The survey is open to residents, business owners, landowners, commuters, shoppers, and anyone who works or plays in the region. It can be completed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9BLQM9G.
