Triangle J Economic Development District
Economic Development District
The Triangle J Council of Governments Economic Development District (EDD) received federal designation from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (U.S. EDA) on February 8, 2018. The EDD's geographic boundary includes Chatham, Durham, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, and Wake Counties. The U.S. EDA provides funding for projects that meet the economic development needs of distressed communities, and Triangle J serves as the liaison between the U.S. EDA and eligible applicants in the EDD.
Learn more about Economic Development Districts and their goal
2021-2026 Strength in Numbers
Triangle J Council of Government's (TJCOG) 2021-2026 Strength in Numbers: A Regional Plan for Economic Resilience & Prosperity has three main goals: build regional capacity, guide economic prosperity and resiliency, and encourage regional collaboration through partnerships and investments. As a regional blueprint for economic development, the plan is critical to maintain a robust economic ecosystem. Due to rapid growth that spans across the region's different jurisdictions, a coordinated economic strategy is essential to ensure sustainable and equitable economic growth for all communities. Developed through a year-long engagement and review process, the plan builds upon existing economic conditions and regional assets and opportunities, and offers measurable and concrete strategies to guide resource prioritization and implementation and overcome socioeconomic disparities.
As the region's Economic Development District (EDD), TJCOG is tasked with overseeing the plan's process, development, and implementation. Strength in Numbers is an important prerequisite to receive recognition as an EDD and strengthens applications for funding, investments, and planning processes in the region. The comprehensive economic development strategy helps regional stakeholders take a more targeted approach to economic development by creating partnerships and leveraging local, state, regional, and federal resources. The plan is updated on a five-year cycle with annual progress reports published during interim years.
Final Strength in Numbers: A Regional Plan for Economic Resilience & Prosperity
TJCOG 2021-2025 Strength in Numbers - Executive Summary
TJCOG 2021-2025 Strength in Numbers - Full Version
TJCOG 2021 CEDS Annual Interim Report
2021-2022 Priority Areas
In the coming year, the Community & Economic Development program will continue to progress work and address action plans within the five main goals outlined in TJCOG's regional economic development strategy. In addition to a strategy refinement plan for Strength in Numbers, the Community & Economic Development program area will provide local governments and regional partners with technical assistance, serve as a convener and educator for relevant regional topics, and encourage opportunities for the building and strengthening of public and private collaborative partnerships.
All five goals within Strength in Numbers are centered around one common them - Foster Economic Inclusion. Within the plan’s five goals, equity-driven strategies and action plans are outlined to ensure that as we plan for the region’s growth, we are doing so with inclusivity at the forefront.
Strength in Numbers five goals:
1. Business Retention, Expansion & Innovation
Past Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies:
2013-2017 Triangle J CEDS with the 2018 Interim Update