The Development Services Agency (DSA) was created in September of 2020 to offer comprehensive oversight and coordination of economic development within Ohio. Responsibilities include the implementation of Ohio’s Comprehensive Economic Development Act (CEDA) and related programs, managing the funds of the CEDA program, providing assistance to local entities to successfully implement the act, implementing guidelines for the CEDA program, evaluating claims for eligibility for Ohio’s Medicaid program, participating in state and local legislative activities concerning the CEDA program, publishing and disseminating Ohio economic development information, developing and implementing training requirements for Ohioans, assisting other state agencies in related activities, and developing and complying with other federal programs related to development in the state. As a result, the DSA plays a significant role in ensuring that the communities in Ohio benefit from the economic growth generated by the various CEDA programs. In addition, the DSA has developed and manages the following strategic objectives:
To enhance the economic white label seo services uk and quality of life in the community. To promote economic stability and job creation. To ensure that children have access to quality education and healthy nutrition. To address the nutritional needs of low-income families and children. To implement policies and practices that promote healthy outdoor environments and recreational opportunities for all residents.
To coordinate state and local activities related to CEDA. To provide technical assistance to local entities as they implement the programs. To conduct workshops and technical discussions to address the concerns of stakeholder groups. To provide technical assistance to organizations carrying out county-wide implementation of the Community Development Act (CDA).
To provide technical assistance to Ohioans interested in Community Development courses. To educate and train participants on the application of Ohio’s Community Development programs. To provide technical support throughout the program. To provide information and material on Ohio’s development services and related resources.
To evaluate programs in terms of their impact on the environment and quality of life. To track changes in crime rates and employment. To evaluate the performance of individual county agencies within the program. To report findings and recommendations to the county board. To provide support to qualifying homeowners as they participate in county program.
The development services can be used by any qualified individual or organization. However, this service is only useful when it is carried out according to its guidelines. These guidelines are specified by the federal government through directives and regulations which form the Comprehensive Resource Management Act (CRMA).
For instance, these guidelines set forth the criteria required for development services agencies to determine if a program is in the best interest of the community. This list of criteria comprises the kinds of services the agency provides, the nature of its activities and who it serves. The CRMA also sets forth a process for ensuring that the development services agency is complying with its directives.
To carry out its duties, the development services agency must establish a committee which is responsible for carrying out its activities. This committee will meet at least twice annually to review its performance and make recommendations. The board of directors may appoint individuals to serve on the committee. This helps to insure that the needs of the community are being met and the development services offered comply with the guidelines of the CRMA. This way the community is better served and all interested parties benefit from the services of the development services agency.
Another way that the development services organization can be evaluated is through the participation of the people involved in the community. This allows the board to know directly what problems or concerns exist. Sometimes the concern may be more complex than what was perceived or understood. Because of this the board will engage the services of an outside consultant. The consultant will conduct interviews, research and investigation in order to better understand the community’s needs. After gathering information and findings from the consultant the board will make any recommended changes within the regulations and guidelines set forth by the CRMA.
Many communities have hired development services in order to improve the community and increase economic development. However, some organizations have hired development services in an attempt to do more harm than good. In this case it is important for the organizations reviewing and hiring services to hire individuals who are knowledgeable and experienced in the field. Individuals who are not familiar with the processes and regulations governing development services, nor the different types of services available may not be the best individuals to hire. They may even make mistakes that hurt the organization and hinder its growth.
It is important for the organizations that are looking to hire development services to thoroughly review each candidate before making a final decision. Individuals who have worked in the development services field for many years and have been successful at achieving their goals and helping others do the same should be considered for the job. This ensures that the organization is going to get the best possible management team and that its future success is secured.
