The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) is designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) as the planning organization for the Economic Development District (EDD) for Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis Counties of Minnesota. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is required by the EDA to maintain Economic Development District designation for the region and for projects to qualify for EDA assistance. ARDC is responsible for completing a new CEDS every five years and helping develop EDA funding requests for infrastructure, technical assistance, and planning projects consistent with the CEDS.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Help Shape the Future of Our Region Now. Local Leadership Needed.
ARDC is conducting a community and public engagement process from March through April 2026 to develop a new 5-year CEDS, and we want to hear from you. This is your chance to help shape our region’s future by sharing what’s working, what’s not, and what should come next. Your voice matters.
Who’s invited?
Local elected and appointed officials, residents, business owners, workers, tribal leaders and members, educators, and youth—everyone who cares about the future of our region is encouraged to participate.
CEDS Community input Meetings-updated 3-5-2026
Questions, comments, or accommodation needs?
Contact Josh Bergstad
Email: jbergstad@ardc.org
Phone: 218.529.7516
Northeast Minnesota CEDS 2022-2027
DevelopMN
The DevelopMN Plan is the result of a collaborative effort of the ten Economic Development Districts that make up the Minnesota Association of Development Organizations (MADO). DevelopMN was completed in 2016. It was developed to align strategic economic development efforts throughout Greater Minnesota, and leverage resources at all levels for a greater overall development impact. DevelopMN identified four cornerstones for strong regions and communities that are a template for the organization of the Northeast Minnesota CEDS: Human Capital, Economic Competitiveness, Community Resources, and Foundational Assets.
DevelopMN can be downloaded at the following website: www.mnado.org/developmn
More Information
To discuss economic development planning, EDA assistance, or to submit comments, questions, or requests for a print copy of the CEDS, contact:
Josh Bergstad
Principal Planner
ARDC
221 West First Street
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: 218-529-7516 (direct)
Toll-free: 1-800-232-0707 ext. 516.
Fax: 218-529-7592
Email: jbergstad@ardc.org
ARDC’s economic development planning is supported with funds provided by the United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA).
