Economic development strategies are developed by the various community stakeholders and individual economic development organizations, such as the Allen County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Allen County Port Authority, the Allen Economic Development Group, the Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, the Delphos Area Chamber of Commerce, the Lima Area Chamber of Commerce, the Spencerville Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Regional Office of the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA). 

Historically, the local community has relied on improving infrastructure to support or expand its economic base.  Such support was largely limited to infrastructure improvements supporting public roads and water as well as sanitary and storm sewers.  Funding for such projects typically utilized multiple sources, but included Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Grants and Loans, Issue I and Issue II program monies, Economic Development Administration monies, State Infrastructure Bank Loans, or General Fund monies. The State of Ohio has helped local development initiatives with funding for other public infrastructure improvements, including rail siding, roadway improvements, and utility extensions.

Our Healthy Communities Indicators page is a great place to search for economic benchmarks in Allen County.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)