Economic Development

The first iteration of the Hudson County’s Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy was duly adopted by the Hudson County CEDS Committee on January 20, 2010. The Hudson County Planning Board also approved the 2010 CEDS plan as an update to the Hudson County Master Plan on January 20, 2010, and memorialized its approval on February 17, 2010.

The Hudson County 2010 Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy was prepared and adopted in accordance with the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. § 3162) and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration’s regulations (13 C.F.R. part 303).

The Hudson County Executive and Board of County Commissioners appointed a Strategy Committee, pursuant to Resolution No. 490-11-2007 on November 8, 2007. The CEDS plan meets the following technical requirements: 1. A Background documenting the economic development conditions of the region; 2. an Analysis of Economic Development Problems and Opportunities; 3. Goals and Objectives; 4. Community and Private Sector Participation; 5. Strategic Projects, Programs and Activities; 6. a Plan of Action; and 7. Performance Measures.

The United States Economic Development Administration conditionally approved the Hudson County Regional CEDS Plan on August 31, 2010. An additional requirement for grant eligibility is the submission of annual updates to the CEDS document, which highlights economic development projects, updates key economic growth metrics, and identifies priority infrastructure needs. The 2011 Annual Update included the necessary revisions and in early 2012, the US EDA fully adopted the 5-year CEDS strategy. The Division of Planning assisted with subsequent annual updates for 2012,2013, & 2014.

Hudson County CEDS Committee

The U.S. Economic Development Administration Reform Act of 1998 requires the creation of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee, or CEDS Committee, to adopt local economic plans and apply for assistance under the federal Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) public works and economic adjustment programs. The purpose of the CEDS committee is to establish a process that will help create jobs, foster more stable and diversified economies, and improve living conditions. It provides a mechanism for coordinating the efforts of individuals, organizations, local government, and private industry concerned with economic development. The CEDS committee must include representatives from the following sectors: local government; economic and business development organizations, including chambers of commerce, labor, finance, and utility companies; the employment and training sector; community organizations; as well as women and minorities.

The Hudson County Board of Commissioners appointed the following representatives to the CEDS committee:

Erica Bell – Hudson County Office of Business Opportunity

Anthony Cammarata – Goldman Sachs

Richard Dwyer – PSEG

Patrick Kelleher – United Plumbers Local 24

Alan Lambiase – South Kearny Industrial Association

Shane Mitchell – Hotel & Gaming Trades Council

Michele Richardson – Hudson County Economic Development Corporation

James Rhatican – Hartz Mountain Industries

Paul Silverman – Silverman

Emory Edwards – Hudson County Chamber of Commerce

Lori Margolin – Hudson County Community College

Albert J. Cifelli – Board of County Commissioner