To capitalize on the region’s strengths in cultivating a high-performing economy, the Regional Growth
Partnership, in collaboration with Lucas County, is taking the next step to develop a comprehensive
economic development strategy.
As part of this plan, the two entities have issued a request for proposals from economic development and
strategic planning firms to assist in the development of a CEDS for the Greater Toledo and Southeast
Michigan regions. The region includes Lucas, Wood, Ottawa counties in Ohio and Michigan’s Monroe County.

Working in partnership with an array of governmental, business, and economic development partners, the
RGP will select and retain a firm for the strategic planning phase of the regional CEDS. This project is
being funded, in part, by a planning grant from the EDA. Additional funding partners include the Lucas
County, the RGP, the City of Toledo, the Toledo Community Foundation, and the Lucas County Economic
Development Corporation.
"This is truly a cooperative economic effort that will maximize our region’s many strengths and
assets," said Lucas County Commissioner Carol Contrada. "The CEDS will be a strategic
public-private partnership-and is about making our region even more competitive in the future."
"This region offers the assets and resources businesses need to succeed, and the development of this
strategic plan will help in identifying greater opportunities for economic growth," said Dean
Monske, president and CEO of the RGP.
Questions should be directed to Megan Vahey Casiere, chief of planning and development with the Lucas
County Commissioners, at 419-213-4545 or [email protected].