The Houston-Galveston Area Council, in collaboration with the Gulf Coast Economic Development District is developing a new comprehensive economic development strategy in order to shape the economic growth and development of the region over the next five years.  A workshop covering the strategy development for Austin, Colorado, Fort Bend, Matagorda, Waller and Wharton counties will be held on Wednesday, August 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Members Choice Credit Union 18211 Katy Freeway, Houston.

The strategy will ensure that the region’s economic goals are aligned and will establish a detailed action plan, allowing the region to compete for federal funding, according to information provided by HGAC.  Federal funding, according to HGAC, can benefit the region through:

• Enabling local businesses to secure the necessary funding for their growth and sustainability.
• Providing funds to communities for disaster relief and mitigation.
• Supporting the expansion of education and job training programs at local colleges, universities and vocations school in order to prepare the future workforce.

According to the HGAC website, the workshop is designed for:

• Small-business owners looking to expand.
• School and training program administrators connecting students with good, high-paying jobs.
• Economic development professionals in local government

The event is free to attend.  To register, go to h-gac.com/go/ceds/flyer.