# Understanding the CEDS Act

The CEDS Act (Care is an Economic Development Strategy Act) changes how communities plan their economic growth by requiring them to include affordable childcare, elder care, disability services, and early childhood education as part of their development plans. Right now, when communities receive federal grants to develop their local economy, they focus on traditional economic factors like jobs and infrastructure. This bill says that access to quality, affordable care services should also be a central part of how communities think about economic development.

Here's why this matters in practical terms: if you're a parent struggling to find affordable childcare, or an adult caring for an aging parent, this bill recognizes that these care challenges directly affect whether people can work and participate in the economy. When communities plan their economic future, they'll now need to think about how to make care services more accessible and affordable. This could mean supporting new childcare facilities, helping fund elder care programs, or creating incentives for businesses that offer these services. The bill essentially says that a strong economy isn't just about factories and office parks—it's also about having the support systems families need to thrive.

The bill applies to communities and organizations that receive federal economic development grants. The Secretary of Commerce has one year to create guidance explaining how communities should incorporate care services into their plans. For communities that already have approved economic development plans, they won't have to immediately rewrite everything—they'll only need to update their plans during their regular scheduled updates. This gives communities time to adjust without creating a sudden burden, while still moving toward recognizing care as a key part of economic strength.

CEDS Act

Care is an Economic Development Strategy Act or the CEDS Act This bill requires grant applicants for certain public works and economic development projects to describe in their comprehensive economic development strategy how they will increase the accessibility of affordable, quality, care-based services (e.g., child care, early childhood education, disability and long-term care, and elder care).