Cleveland –  The Village of Walton Hills and Sagamore Hills Township, in conjunction with Cuyahoga County and Summit County, recently announced the Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) that will help retain and develop businesses within the district. The JEDD will also create and retain employment opportunities for residents in both communities, which will provide an economic boost to Cuyahoga County.

“The partnership between two communities, residing in two separate counties, shows the progress that we are making with regional collaboration,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “Cuyahoga County and Summit County coming together to create economic opportunities for our region is a great example of how both parties are working towards the same goal, improving life for our residents.”

The JEDD will allow for the Village of Walton Hills and Sagamore Hills Township to consider means to improve cost-effective governmental services within the JEDD, including the potential construction of a fire station to promote regional collaboration. The Village of Walton Hills will collect and administer the JEDD’s applicable income tax, which will provide economic growth for Cuyahoga County, and stability and cooperation for Sagamore Hills Township.

"The Village of Walton Hills appreciates Cuyahoga County joining in this unique economic development partnership,” said Mayor Kevin Hurst, Village of Walton Hills. “The Joint Economic Development District agreement between the Village of Walton Hills and Sagamore Hills Township provides a financing mechanism to fund infrastructure and the implementation of an economic development plan for the district. I thank all of the parties that have assisted the Village in this process including the trustees of Sagamore Hills Township, Summit and Cuyahoga counties for their quick action and participation."