The Tampa Bay RPC hosted a meeting of its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Steering Committee on April 17, 2017. With both public and private membership drawn from all six of the Council’s counties (Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas), the Steering Committee participated in a lively discussion of the economy in the Tampa Bay area and the opportunities and challenges of growing the economy in the region. The meeting was further enriched by participation from Mr. Greg Vaday, of the Economic Development Administration, who led the Committee through a presentation and discussion of the federal grant process for economic development projects. Next steps include staff’s preparation of a Draft CEDS that will be presented to the Council for their review and comment during the requisite 30 day comment period. At the conclusion of the 30 day comment period there will be a conference call with Steering Committee members to finalize a recommendation for the full Council which will be presented at the September 2017 meeting.