The Upper Shore Regional Council (USRC) is seeking a consultant to develop a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties in Maryland. The consultant will engage local governments, businesses, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to define priorities and actionable strategies for economic growth. The selected consultant will be responsible for conducting research, facilitating public engagement, and developing a practical, forward-thinking economic strategy that positions the Upper Shore region for sustainable growth and resilience. Key tasks include reviewing existing reports and data, conducting stakeholder engagement and public outreach, performing a SWOT analysis, and developing a strategic direction and action plan. • The consultant must have expertise in regional economic development and strategy development. • The consultant must have experience with prior CEDS creation and successful EDA grant-funded projects. • The consultant must have experience with industry and workforce research, infrastructure and land-use planning, and public engagement and stakeholder facilitation. • The consultant must develop a vision and mission statement for regional economic development and create an actionable strategy with specific, prioritized initiatives. • The consultant must ensure alignment with EDA CEDS requirements and establish performance metrics and an implementation roadmap.