The Souris Basin Planning Council has been a designated "Economic Development District" by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) since 1978. This partnership with EDA provides the Council with ongoing planning grant assistance that supports the formulation and implementation of effective local economic development strategies and programs.

One of the activities under this program is the preparation and maintenance of the Council's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which includes the implementation of elements of the CEDS.

Don Longmuir, the Council's Economic Development Specialist, a certified Economic Development Professional (EDFP) and member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), provides planning and technical assistance to communities, local development corporations, entrepreneurs and existing or emerging businesses within the Council's seven county area. The Council can coordinate the participation of local financial institutions, state, regional and federal funding sources in the development of a financial package that best meets the needs of the economic opportunity.