NADO
type: channel
description: National Association of Development Organizations
date: 2026-04-08T22:46:33Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
generator agent: https://wordpress.org/
items: [Webinar]: Why Clusters Matter: Industry-focused Strategies for Regional Economic Competitiveness
items: Opportunity Zones 2.0 Resource Guide
items: Telling Our Stories: Highlights from the 2026 Afternoon with the Districts
items: President Trump Releases FY27 Budget Request
items: Resource Page: ADA Requirements for Website Accessibility
items: The Future is Now: Data Center Fundamentals for EDD Staff
items: Data Center Planning Resources for EDDs & RDOs
items: Chicken Before the Egg: How Central Virginia Poultry Farmers Turned a Crisis into a Cooperative
items: What NADO Members Need to Know About the FY27 Appropriations Process: Programmatic Requests & Community Project Funding
items: House Agriculture Committee Introduces 2026 Farm Bill: Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026

[Webinar]: Why Clusters Matter: Industry-focused Strategies for Regional Economic Competitiveness
type: item
creator: Brett Schwartz
date: 2026-04-08T22:46:30Z
subject: CEDS
subject: Economic Resilience
subject: EDD CoP
subject: Featured Resources
subject: Regional Development
subject: Transportation & Infrastructure
subject: cluster
subject: data
subject: economic clusters
subject: Greater Peoria EDC
subject: Infrastructure
subject: Land of Sky Regional Council
subject: manufacturing
description: This webinar showed how cluster strategies align business, workforce, and public investment, shared real examples from Economic Development District staff using cluster analysis, and outlined practical steps for regions to launch or strengthen their own cluster initiatives. The post [Webinar]: Why Clusters Matter: Industry-focused Strategies for Regional Economic Competitiveness appeared first on NADO.
encoded: Click here to access the presentation slides (PDF) Across the country, Economic Development Districts (EDDs) are turning to cluster identification and development to strengthen their regional economies. Recent analysis of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) shows that more than six in seven EDDs are pursuing at least one industry cluster goal, a clear signal that the practice has become a mainstream expectation in regional development. During this webinar, panelists contrasted cluster‑based strategies with traditional economic development approaches, showed how cluster work strengthens alignment across business, workforce, and public investment, highlighted real examples from staff at Economic Development Districts who are using cluster analysis, and outlined practical steps regions can take to launch or advance their own cluster initiatives. Panelists: • Jason Rittenberg, Principal, Excel Regional Solutions LLC (OH) • Kirsten Montgomery, Research and Insights Manager, Greater Peoria EDC (IL) • Brian White, Regional Project Manager, Land of Sky Regional Council (NC) • Moderator: Brett Schwartz, Associate Director, NADO Research Foundation (CA) Additional resources: Cluster Identification Self-Guided Course (from the Center for Cluster Development) Regional Clusters Dashboards (from the Purdue Center for Regional Development) East Central Florida Regional Innovations Clusters Dashboard (from the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council) This webinar was offered through the NADO Research Foundation’s Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP). The EDD CoP is made possible through an award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce (ED22HDQ3070106). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the presenters and participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The post [Webinar]…

Opportunity Zones 2.0 Resource Guide
type: item
creator: Brett Schwartz
date: 2026-03-29T00:05:36Z
subject: Economic Resilience
subject: Featured Resources
subject: Regional Development
subject: Regional Planning
subject: Opportunity Zones
subject: OZ 2.0
description: This resource page includes a variety of information on Opportunity Zones, including background information, updates on the designation process, mapping and data tools to support informed planning and decision making, and materials about local planning and implementation considerations. The post Opportunity Zones 2.0 Resource Guide appeared first on NADO.
encoded: <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="217" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/OZ7-1024x217.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32407" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/OZ7-1024x217.png 1024w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/OZ7-300x64.png 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/OZ7-768x163.png 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/OZ7.png 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law on July 4, 2025 made Opportunity Zones (OZs) a permanent feature of the tax code. First introduced in 2017, OZs are federally designated, economically distressed census tracts where investors can receive special tax incentives for putting capital into local development projects. The next round of zone designations kicks off July 1, 2026, when state governors begin a 90-day nomination window. New zones will subsequently take effect January 1, 2027 and last through December 31, 2036. There are some key changes from OZ 1.0 to OZ 2.0 that EDDs should understand. The biggest are that the program is now permanent, with zones redesignated every ten years, and eligibility has been tightened. The income threshold for qualifying tracts have been lowered from 80% to 70% of area median family income, the contiguous tract provision is eliminated, and the number of eligible tracts nationwide shrinks by about a quarter. The most significant new feature for rural regions is the Qualified Rural Opportunity Fund (QROF), which offers investors a 30% basis step-up (compared to 10% for standard funds) and lowers the substantial improvement threshold for rehab projects from 100% to 50%. Rural areas are defined as locations outside cities and towns with populations over 50,000. This resource page includes a variety of information on Opportunity Zones, including background information, updates on the designation process,…

Telling Our Stories: Highlights from the 2026 Afternoon with the Districts
type: item
creator: Brett Schwartz
date: 2026-03-24T21:03:57Z
subject: CEDS
subject: Economic Resilience
subject: EDD CoP
subject: Featured Resources
subject: Regional Development
subject: Regional Planning
subject: Afternoon with the Districts
subject: communications
subject: storytelling
description: NADO’s Afternoon with the Districts event offered an opportunity for EDD leaders to step back, reflect, and strengthen their storytelling techniques and approaches. Nearly 50 participants gathered to explore new ways to communicate impact, share successes, and elevate the essential role EDDs play nationwide. The post Telling Our Stories: Highlights from the 2026 Afternoon with the Districts appeared first on NADO.
encoded: <img decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DSC03374-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32384" style="width:736px;height:auto" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DSC03374-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DSC03374-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DSC03374-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DSC03374-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DSC03374-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> In a rapidly changing economic landscape, Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and other Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) are being called on not just to deliver results, but to clearly demonstrate their value to the communities they serve. That’s why this year’s Afternoon with the Districts, held immediately following the 2026 NADO & DDAA Washington Conference as part of NADO’s Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), offered an opportunity for EDD leaders to step back, reflect, and strengthen their storytelling techniques and approaches. Nearly 50 participants gathered to explore new ways to communicate impact, share successes, and elevate the essential role EDDs play nationwide. Strategic Storytelling for Influence and Engagement Following a “Rose-Bud-Thorn” networking exercise to get the crowd moving and updates from staff at the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Georgetown University professor John D. Trybus, Ph.D delivered the event keynote, entitled “Strategic Storytelling for Influence and Engagement.” Professor Trybus currently leads and manages Georgetown University’s Center for Social Impact Communication, but identifies as a “story-scientist” and previously gained recognition for serving as personal advisor to United Nations Messenger of Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall. Dr. Trybus shared that “stories are the curr…

President Trump Releases FY27 Budget Request
type: item
creator: Juliette Wilder
date: 2026-04-03T15:58:38Z
subject: Uncategorized
subject: Advocacy Updates
description: On April 3rd 2026, President Trump published his FY27 budget request for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026. The post President Trump Releases FY27 Budget Request appeared first on NADO.
encoded: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Untitled-design-4-1024x576.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32428" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Untitled-design-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Untitled-design-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Untitled-design-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Untitled-design-4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Untitled-design-4.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> April 3, 2026 White House Releases FY27 Budget Request Overview On April 3rd 2026, the White House released the President’s FY 2027 (FY27) discretionary budget request to Congress, outlining the administration’s proposal for spending for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026. The release of this budget officially kicks off the FY27 appropriations process. The President’s budget request is technically due to Congress by the first Monday in February. Although it sets priorities for the fiscal year starting October 1, the proposal is non-binding, acting only as a recommendation. Congress frequently ignores or significantly alters the request, with final spending decisions made through the appropriations process. See NADO’s blog on appropriations HERE. What’s in the President’s Budget Overall, the President’s Budget for FY27 proposes a 10-percent discretionary funding cut compared to FY26 for non-defense funding. For further details, see the Budget Appendix. Below is a list of proposed cuts and additions to relevant agencies and programs for Regional Development Organizations (RDOs): Department of Agriculture The Budget requests $20.8 billion in discretionary budget authority for USDA for FY2027, a $4.9 billion or 19-percent decrease from the FY2026 enacted level. Rural Business Service (RBS) (–$82 mill…

Resource Page: ADA Requirements for Website Accessibility
type: item
creator: Katie Allison
date: 2025-12-16T19:35:26Z
subject: Uncategorized
subject: Advocacy Updates
description: In April 2024, the DOJ released a final rule implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for web-based government services provided by state and local governments. The post Resource Page: ADA Requirements for Website Accessibility appeared first on NADO.
encoded: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/website-1024x683.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32102" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/website-1024x683.png 1024w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/website-300x200.png 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/website-768x512.png 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/website-391x260.png 391w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/website.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Resource Page: ADA Requirements for Website Accessibility Updated April 2026 Understanding the 2024 DOJ Final Rule In April 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) released a final rule implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for web-based government services provided by state and local governments. The rule establishes standards for web content accessibility based on the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standard, issued in June 2018. The WCAG is a set of guidelines that outlines the parameters around web accessibility and is developed by the World Wide Web Consortium. The goal of the DOJ final rule is to ensure that online government services and resources including text, video, audio, website layout and design, future social media posts and documents hosted on a public entity’s website comply with the ADA. The rule applies to a wide range of online government services, including public notices, forms, digital applications, and video content. There are a few exceptions to the new standards for the following categories of web content: Archived web content Preexisting conventional electronic documents Web content posted by third parties on a county’s website Third-party web content linked from a county’s website Course content for specific students in public postsecondary institution…

The Future is Now: Data Center Fundamentals for EDD Staff
type: item
creator: Katie Allison
date: 2026-03-05T21:49:42Z
subject: Project Development & Management
subject: Regional Development
subject: Regional Planning
subject: Transportation & Infrastructure
subject: Workforce Development
description: As counties, towns, and cities across the country explore how to manage new demand for data centers, Economic Development Districts (EDDs) can serve as important partners in the decision‑making process. The post The Future is Now: Data Center Fundamentals for EDD Staff appeared first on NADO.
encoded: The Future is Now: Data Center Fundamentals for EDD Staff As counties, towns, and cities across the country explore how to manage new demand for data centers, Economic Development Districts (EDDs) can serve as important partners in the decision‑making process. This report provides EDD staff with an overview of data center basics, the variety of local and regional impacts to consider, and the roles EDDs are increasingly playing as communities respond to data center development. In general, these roles revolve around advising local communities, convening regional conversations and planning efforts, offering zoning and land use guidance, providing grant‑writing expertise, and supporting workforce and training initiatives. Click here to explore the report (PDF). This resource is offered through the Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), managed by the NADO Research Foundation to build the capacity of the national network of EDDs. To learn more, visit: www.nado.org/EDDCoP. The EDD CoP is made possible through an award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce (ED22HDQ3070106). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations in this resource are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The post The Future is Now: Data Center Fundamentals for EDD Staff appeared first on NADO.

Data Center Planning Resources for EDDs & RDOs
type: item
creator: Brett Schwartz
date: 2026-02-25T15:13:46Z
subject: Economic Resilience
subject: EDD CoP
subject: Featured Resources
subject: Regional Development
subject: Regional Planning
subject: Transportation & Infrastructure
subject: AI
subject: data centers
subject: planning
description: This resource page is intended for Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) that are beginning to engage with data center development in their regions The post Data Center Planning Resources for EDDs & RDOs appeared first on NADO.
encoded: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="227" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Picture2-1024x227.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32316" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Picture2-1024x227.png 1024w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Picture2-300x67.png 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Picture2-768x170.png 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Picture2-1536x341.png 1536w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Picture2-2048x454.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> This resource page is intended for Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) that are beginning to engage with data center development in their regions. It compiles reports, model ordinances, and policy analyses from a range of sources that address the planning, economic, and infrastructure considerations associated with data center siting and construction. A NADO Research Foundation brief will also be released soon to provide a more in-depth examination of the roles EDDs play in supporting regional responses to data center activity. Contact NADO Program Manager Dion Thompson-Davoli at dthompson-davoli@nado.org with any questions or to suggest additional resources to include on this page. Last Updated: March 19, 2026 Planning for Data Centers The Future of Data Centers (Brookings) This overview examines the data center landscape, including facility types, geographic distribution, financial investments, barriers to development, and workforce impacts. It covers critical challenges such as energy and water consumption, permitting, and electric grid investment needs. EDDs supporting local governments will find this useful as a primer on the industry’s scope and the infrastructure planning considerations that communities must navigate when working with local communities on data center projects. Turning the Data …

Chicken Before the Egg: How Central Virginia Poultry Farmers Turned a Crisis into a Cooperative
type: item
creator: Katie Allison
date: 2026-02-24T20:58:14Z
subject: Economic Resilience
subject: EDD CoP
description: In March 2023, Tyson Foods announced the closure of its Glen Allen, Virginia facility, leaving hundreds of local poultry growers and their 265 farmer‑owned production houses without long‑standing contracts. This case study examines how a broad coalition of regional partners, including the Commonwealth Regional Council (CRC), the area’s Economic Development District (EDD), mobilized to respond and chart a path forward. The post Chicken Before the Egg: How Central Virginia Poultry Farmers Turned a Crisis into a Cooperative appeared first on NADO.
encoded: Chicken Before the Egg: How Central Virginia Poultry Farmers Turned a Crisis into a Cooperative <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="791" height="1024" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Central-VA-Poultry-Case-Study_Cover-Page-791x1024.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32299" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Central-VA-Poultry-Case-Study_Cover-Page-791x1024.png 791w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Central-VA-Poultry-Case-Study_Cover-Page-232x300.png 232w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Central-VA-Poultry-Case-Study_Cover-Page-768x994.png 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Central-VA-Poultry-Case-Study_Cover-Page-1187x1536.png 1187w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Central-VA-Poultry-Case-Study_Cover-Page.png 1545w" sizes="(max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px" /> In March 2023, Tyson Foods announced the closure of its Glen Allen, Virginia facility, leaving hundreds of local poultry growers and their 265 farmer‑owned production houses without long‑standing contracts. This case study examines how a broad coalition of regional partners, including the Commonwealth Regional Council (CRC), the area’s Economic Development District (EDD), mobilized to respond and chart a path forward. Through coordinated planning, fundraising, and technical assistance, the region ultimately launched the Central Virginia Poultry Cooperative, a farmer‑owned cooperative that secured a 13‑year agreement to supply eggs to an organic egg producer in Indiana. The cooperative not only preserved the region’s poultry industry but has also positioned it for future growth. Click here to read the case study (PDF). This resource is offered through the Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), managed by the NADO Research Foundation to build the capacity of the national network of EDDs. To learn more, visit: www.nado.org/EDDCoP. The EDD CoP is made poss…

What NADO Members Need to Know About the FY27 Appropriations Process: Programmatic Requests & Community Project Funding
type: item
creator: Juliette Wilder
date: 2026-03-06T17:13:41Z
subject: Uncategorized
subject: Advocacy Updates
description: What NADO Members Need to Know About the FY27 Appropriations Process: Programmatic Requests & Community Project Funding Updated March 20, 2026. As Congress kicks off the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) appropriations cycle, Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) have important opportunities to shape federal investment in their communities and beyond. On February 25th, the House Appropriations Committee […] The post What NADO Members Need to Know About the FY27 Appropriations Process: Programmatic Requests & Community Project Funding appeared first on NADO.
encoded: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-3-1024x576.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32344" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-3.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> What NADO Members Need to Know About the FY27 Appropriations Process: Programmatic Requests & Community Project Funding Updated March 20, 2026. As Congress kicks off the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) appropriations cycle, Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) have important opportunities to shape federal investment in their communities and beyond. On February 25th, the House Appropriations Committee opened its electronic portal for FY27 earmark requests for House members, allowing them to submit programmatic, language, and Community Project Funding (also known as earmarks) requests on behalf of their constituents. Please see the Committee’s published guidance and resources HERE. On March 18th, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Patty Murray, Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released guidance for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 programmatic, language, and Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) requests. Read the guidance HERE. Some, but not all, Senate offices have begun accepting earmark (also known as Congressionally Directed Spending) as well as programmatic and language requests. This post summarizes the key updates, deadlines, and practical steps RDOs should take now to prepare for FY27. BACKGROUND What are programmatic, language, and community project funding requests? Programmatic Re…

House Agriculture Committee Introduces 2026 Farm Bill: Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
type: item
creator: Juliette Wilder
date: 2026-02-18T15:45:04Z
subject: Uncategorized
subject: Advocacy Updates
description: On February 13th, House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-PA) introduced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which would reauthorize the Farm Bill. The House Agriculture Committee is expected to mark up the bill on February 23rd. The post House Agriculture Committee Introduces 2026 Farm Bill: Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 appeared first on NADO.
encoded: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-1-1024x576.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32268" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> House Agriculture Committee Introduces 2026 Farm Bill: Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 On February 13th, House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-PA) introduced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which would reauthorize the Farm Bill. The House Agriculture Committee is expected to mark up the bill on February 23rd. Read the committee’s summary HERE. Read the full bill text HERE. BACKGROUND The U.S. Farm Bill is a legislative package that shapes federal policy on a wide swath of issues including agriculture, nutrition assistance, rural development, conservation, community development, land stewardship, and infrastructure investment. The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, the most recent Farm Bill, was originally set to expire in 2023; however, after negotiations in Congress stalled, it received a series of short-term extensions and is now funded at existing levels through September 30, 2026. In 2025, Congress passed H.R. 1, which included several measures traditionally addressed during Farm Bill reauthorization. Click HERE for more information on the measures included in H.R.1. RURAL PROVISIONS INCLUDED IN INTRODUCED BILL The House version of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 continues support for rural development initiatives. Provisions bene…