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Performance Metrics Matter, a publication of the National Association of Development Organizations prepared by the ViTAL Economy Alliance, explains how performance metrics can be used to create a more effective CEDS for a regional economy.

A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is more than a mandatory report for opening doors to federal funding, especially through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). It should be an opportunity to formulate effective strategies that transform a region’s economy by creating or retaining wealth and increasing prosperity.

This white paper discusses how performance metrics can be used to create a more effective CEDS for a regional economy. It includes real-life examples of how performance metrics have been used by various Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and other regions assisted by ViTAL Economy to address unique conditions and transform their region’s economic performance. It also demonstrates how performance metrics are the first critical step in creating meaningful strategies in a CEDS and how they can improve an economic region’s ability to meet the new NADO’s Seven Principles of CEDS Standards of Excellence.

Click here to download the report (PDF)

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This report from the  NADO Research Foundation, written with the support of the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), explores how the 23 southernmost counties in Illinois collaborated to increase broadband Internet access to support economic development.

At the start of 2006, the broadband take rate for Southern Illinois – the number of households with access to broadband that buy it – was only 12 percent. Today, thanks in large part to the work of Connect SI (a not-for-profit charitable organization that supports a collaborative, regional economic strategy for the southern 20 counties of Illinois), broadband availability is much greater and the take rate is more than 54 percent.  The take rate for rural communities nationally is 66 percent.  Other economic development projects – in particular, the expansion of online health care education and services – have followed.

To meet its goals, Connect SI has embarked on community initiatives in broadband connectivity, health care, youth leadership, agriculture, and energy.  And it is providing the four regional planning and development commissions in its area with online tools to access and sort economic and demographic data.

Click here to download the report (PDF)

In an era of tightening government budgets, regional planning and development organizations need to think creatively about developing and funding initiatives that improve residents’ quality of life. Through partnerships with community foundations, both regional development organizations and foundations can leverage community and external funds, access knowledge and skills beyond their own areas of expertise, broaden their networks, and align work programs to best meet community needs.

This report explores the strategies and rewards behind eight partnerships. The East Central Iowa Council of Governments worked with a community foundation to recapitalize a small business assistance revolving loan fund, and the organizations have continued to collaborate on regional initiatives.  Similarly, the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission began an active partnership with the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama through a successful public health program. Central Minnesota’s Region Five Development Commission has worked with several community foundations, after establishing a strong partnership with the Initiative Foundation. Virginia’s New River Valley Planning District Commission has helped the Community Foundation of the New River Valley discover community needs, while the Foundation has helped NRVPDC engage community members. In Texas and North Carolina, foundations and regional development organizations worked together on projects to provide wildfire relief and equip a business incubator, respectively. Oregon’s Mid-Columbia Economic Development District has been working with the Meyer Memorial Trust to develop a digital tool to connect foundations with community priorities, while the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance operates a resource center to facilitate partnerships. These stories demonstrate how foundations and regional development organizations can help each other leverage resources, expand their toolkits, broaden their networks, and align their work programs.

To read the full report, click here (PDF).

Released April 2008, 8 pages

Click here to view GIS Brings Economic Vitality to Appalachian Communities (PDF).

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Released August 2009, 163 pages

Click here to view Regional Council Self-Assessment and Resource Toolkit (PDF).

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Through our research we have developed a series of maps illustrating what percentage of the country is represented by RDOs, what are primary program offerings of these organizations and in what capacity they serve our nation’s businesses, communities and local governments.

To learn more about the importance of regional development organizations and their function, click here.

Released November 2007, 6 pages

Click here to view Green Light to Green Building: Regional Development Organizations are LEEDing the Way (PDF).

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