Overview
The Southside Planning District Commission is one of numerous partners across the region that work to create positive change in the realm of economic development. This is accomplished through the SPDC's assistance with grant applications, project administration, assistance with Enterprise Zone applications, providing GIS mapping services, providing business loans through the Lake Country Development Corporation, and helping create a regional focus through the planning and implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Stratgey (CEDS) document.
Services Provided
- Planning and technical assistance
- Grant writing and administration
- Identify funding resources/opportunities
- Business loans through LCDC
- Research and collect data
- GIS mapping
Projects/Programs
CEDS
Every five years the overall economic and community well-being is evaluated to adequately realign regional goals documented in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Goals center around business and industrial development to encourage jobs and wage growth, community and housing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and enhancing the recreational and quality of life components of the District. A key component of the CEDS process is the input of the CEDS Committee. This group is comprised of local stakeholders including government officials, small business owners, private citizens, and representatives from the education, healthcare, and industrial communities. The CEDS update kickoff meeting was held at the SPDC office on January 13, 2025, where 23 community stakeholders participated in a SWAT analysis of the District to be included in the 2025-2030 five-year update. Additional opportunities for input from the community included a 30-day public comment period and a public hearing. All comments received were reviewed and considered for inclusion in the update. The final document was approved by the SPDC on July 24, 2025.
You can view the current CEDS by clicking on the link below:
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2025 - 2030
This CEDS presents the overall comprehensive planning and action process engaged in by the Southside Planning District Commission. Approval of this document by the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) establishes the Southside Planning District's eligibility for EDA financial assistance. In addition, this document provides an evaluation of economic conditions, which is useful in making future development decisions.
Lake Country Development Corporation
The Lake Country Development Corporation (LCDC) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organized in 1981 that provides low-interest financing for local economic development needs through two revolving load funds from the Economic Development Administration and USDA Rural Development. The funds are for the establishment of new industries, assistance for existing locally-based industries, innovative and job-creating economic uses and activities, and to fill a gap in the existing local financial market in the Virginia counties of Brunswick, Halifax and Mecklenburg. LCDC has closed 67 loans resulting in the retention of 144 jobs and the creation of 1,858 jobs. Over $10 million in revolving loan funds has been leveraged with over $11 million in local match or other public funding and over $48 million in private funding or new equity resulting in a leveraging ratio of five private dollars to one federal dollar.
SPDC Data Tables
The SPDC maintains a comprehensive set of data tables for the region, which includes data on population, employment, housing, demographics, and other data relating to the economy. Additional data sets can be added to this database as needs arise. To access the data tables please click on the following link:
