National Association of Development Organizations
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. The post House Agriculture Committee Introduces 2026 Farm Bill: Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 appeared first on NADO.
<img fetchpriority="high" 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 benefitting rural communities are outlined below: Strengthens broadband connectivity to rural communities through including $350 million per year for five years for the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program. Encourages private capital investments in rural communities through existing rural development business and cooperative programs including $25 million per year for five years for the Intermediary Relending Program. Invests in and strengthens rural water infrastructure through reauthorizing the Water, Waste Disposal, and Wastewater Facility Grants Program at $15 million per year for five years and the Solid Waste Management Grants Program at $10 million per year for five years. Directs USDA to provide technical assistance and capacity building support to counties and other local partners to enhance access to rural development programs in underserved and distressed areas. Expands access to the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) through a program delivery pilot that prioritizes rural communities. Establishes a standing authority to deliver ad hoc disaster assistance via block grant to States. Addresses existing workforce challenges within rural communities to effectively meet their needs through reauthorizing the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Program at $10 million per year for five years. Allows Farm Credit institutions to partner with community banks and other lenders in financing essential community facilities in rural areas Protects access to health care in rural America through codifying the Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program. Enhances efforts to meet the childcare demands of rural areas through establishing a three-year rural childcare initiative. Codifies the Rural Development Innovation Center. WHAT’S NEXT? House Agriculture Committee leaders are aiming to bring the Farm Bill to the House floor before the Easter recess (beginning on March 28th), contingent on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act advancing through Committee on schedule. Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry has not yet signaled when it plans to introduce or take up its version of the 2026 Farm Bill. Significant challenges still lie ahead before a final Farm Bill can be enacted prior to the expiration of the 2018 Farm Bill on September 30, 2026. A number of factors may continue to slow progress, including narrow majorities in both chambers, partisan disputes over provisions carried over from H.R. 1, and heightened political tensions heading into the 2026 midterm elections. NADO will keep our members updated on any developments to this critical piece of legislation. February 18, 2026 The post House Agriculture Committee Introduces 2026 Farm Bill: Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 appeared first on NADO.
House Passes Bipartisan Housing Bill, Modernizing Rural Housing Programs
On February 9th, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Housing in the 21st Century Act by a vote of 390-9. The package impacts nearly every federal housing tool used by local governments, regional development organizations, and rural communities, and for the first time, creates a new regional housing planning grant program for which NADO members are directly eligible. The post House Passes Bipartisan Housing Bill, Modernizing Rural Housing Programs appeared first on NADO.
<img decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-2-1024x576.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32273" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> House Passes Bipartisan Housing Bill, Modernizing Rural Housing Programs On February 9th, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Housing in the 21st Century Act by a vote of 390-9. Click here for a section-by-section summary of the bill. The package impacts nearly every federal housing tool used by local governments, regional development organizations, and rural communities, and for the first time, creates a new regional housing planning grant program for which NADO members are directly eligible. Back in the fall, the Senate passed similar legislation, the Road to Housing Act, which was supported by the White House. With both chambers passing different proposals, they must now reconcile those differences through a conference committee or informal negotiations before voting on the negotiated proposal. Below is a breakdown of key provisions and updates in the bill: ★ NEW REGIONAL HOUSING PLANNING GRANTS ★ A major win for regional development organizations if enacted, the bill establishes a new federal grant program specifically for regional housing planning. Eligible Applicants: state, local, and tribal governments, and regional planning agencies Eligible Activities for Regional Planning Agencies: Regional housing needs assessments, coordinating housing development with transportation planning, and the development of local or regional plans for community development HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS (HOME) PROGRAM Expanded Income Eligibility: The bill raises the income eligibility thresholds for HOME-funded projects. Streamlined Environmental Review: To accelerate construction timelines, certain low‑impact rehabilitation and infill development projects would be exempt from full NEPA Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). Expanded Use for Infrastructure: Grantees that do not receive CDBG entitlement funds would be allowed to direct HOME dollars toward housing‑adjacent infrastructure. No Change to Davis–Bacon Requirements: Notably, unlike the Senate bill or the standalone HOME Reform Act, the House package does not alter the existing Davis–Bacon prevailing wage thresholds. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT New Construction Becomes an Eligible Use: For the first time, CDBG funds could be used for new housing construction. Increased Transparency and Reporting: CDBG entitlement communities would now be required to submit non‑binding annual reports describing adopted or proposed zoning and land‑use changes that support increased housing supply and publish a public database of undeveloped, jurisdiction-owned land, enhancing transparency around potential development opportunities. Funding Formula Preserved: Unlike the Senate’s Road to Housing Act, the House bill does not tie CDBG allocations to local housing production levels. STRENGTHENING AND MODERNIZING THE RURAL HOUSING SERVICE (RHS) Expanded Access to USDA Home Repair Loans: Broadens eligibility and access to USDA Section 504 home repair loans and grants for low-income rural households. New Annual Reporting Requirements: To improve program accountability and visibility, USDA would be required to submit annual reports on the health and performance of all rural housing programs. These reports must also include detailed information on application review timelines for specific RHS loan and grant programs. GAO Review of USDA Technology Needs: Directs Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of USDA’s technology and system modernization needs. WHAT’S NEXT? Lawmakers must now reconcile differences between the House bill and the Senate’s Road to Housing Act before sending a unified package to the President. NADO will keep our members informed with any updates. February 18, 2026 The post House Passes Bipartisan Housing Bill, Modernizing Rural Housing Programs appeared first on NADO.
Regional Economic Development Center CEDS Case Study
Read how the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) in southern New Hampshire has evolved its approach to the CEDS over time, both graphically and structurally. The post Regional Economic Development Center CEDS Case Study appeared first on NADO.
<img decoding="async" width="791" height="1024" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cover_From-Spreadsheets-to-Strategy-The-Evolution-of-the-Regional-Economic-Development-Center-CEDS-791x1024.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32257" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cover_From-Spreadsheets-to-Strategy-The-Evolution-of-the-Regional-Economic-Development-Center-CEDS-791x1024.png 791w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cover_From-Spreadsheets-to-Strategy-The-Evolution-of-the-Regional-Economic-Development-Center-CEDS-232x300.png 232w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cover_From-Spreadsheets-to-Strategy-The-Evolution-of-the-Regional-Economic-Development-Center-CEDS-768x994.png 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cover_From-Spreadsheets-to-Strategy-The-Evolution-of-the-Regional-Economic-Development-Center-CEDS-1187x1536.png 1187w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cover_From-Spreadsheets-to-Strategy-The-Evolution-of-the-Regional-Economic-Development-Center-CEDS.png 1545w" sizes="(max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px" /> Regional Economic Development Center CEDS Case Study Read how the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) in southern New Hampshire has evolved its approach to the CEDS over time, both graphically and structurally. REDC’s approach involved a greater focus on public engagement and visioning, through partnerships with its Regional Planning Commissions and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. Housing and childcare remain the region’s most pressing challenges. REDC’s alternative lending program is a key tool in overcoming these challenges. Click here to read the case study. 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 Regional Economic Development Center CEDS Case Study appeared first on NADO.
FY 2026 Funding Signed into Law: What’s in the Bill for Regions
On February 3rd, the House of Representatives passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, with a vote of 217 to 214. Shortly thereafter, President Trump signed the bill into law. The appropriations package funds the U.S. Departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Treasury and Transportation, as well as a funding patch for the Department of Homeland Security through February 13th. The post FY 2026 Funding Signed into Law: What’s in the Bill for Regions appeared first on NADO.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-1024x576.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32246" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> FY 2026 Funding Signed into Law: What’s in the Bill for Regions On February 3rd, the House of Representatives passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, with a vote of 217 to 214. Shortly thereafter, President Trump signed the bill into law. The appropriations package funds the U.S. Departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Treasury and Transportation, as well as a funding patch for the Department of Homeland Security through February 13th. If a DHS funding bill is not enacted before the deadline, DHS, which includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will experience a partial shutdown. All other agencies are fully funded through September 2026. On January 23rd, President Trump signed into law a funding package that included three bicameral, bipartisan fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills: the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development; and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bills. WHAT’S IN THE PACKAGES? Economic Development Administration Funding The Commerce-Science-Justice appropriations package provides $466 million for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) in FY 2026, a modest $2 million reduction below FY 2025 levels. Given the previously submitted proposals for EDA funding in FY 2026, this is a strong reaffirmation of the agency’s role in regional economic development. Below are programmatic items whose funding levels changed for FY 2026 (in thousands of dollars): Program FY2025 FY2026 Change Public Works $100,000 $100,000 = No Change Partnership Planning $34,500 $34,500 = No Change Technical Assistance $14,000 $10,000 🡻$4,000 Research and Evaluation $2,000 $2,000 = No Change Trade Adjustment Assistance $13,500 $7,500 🡻$6,000 Economic Adjustment Assistance $33,000 $39,500 🡹$6,500 Assistance to Indigenous Communities $5,000 $5,000 = No Change Assistance to Coal Communities $75,000 $80,000 🡹$5,000 Assistance to Biomass Communities $4,500 ———– 🡻$4,500 Regional Innovation Program Grants $50,000 $50,000 = No Change Good Jobs Challenge $25,000 ———– 🡻$25,000 Workforce Training Grants ———– $10,000 🡹$10,000 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs $41,000 $41,000 = No Change STEM Apprenticeship Program $2,500 $2,500 = No Change Recompete ———– $18,000 🡹$18,000 Total $400,000 $400,000 = No Change Additionally, the bill eliminates the Good Jobs Challenge program and appropriates $10 million for nearly authorized Workforce Training Grants, while also shifting Recompete from a disaster supplemental to a new $18 million line item. Regional Commission Funding The Energy and Water Development package provides funding to Federal-State Regional Commissions (in thousands of dollars) as wells as establishes the Northwest Regional Commission: Commission FY2025 FY2026 Change Appalachian Regional Commission $200,000 $200,000 = No Change Delta Regional Authority $31,100 $32,000 🡹$900 Denali Commission $17,000 $18,000 🡹$1,000 Great Lakes Authority $5,000 $5,000 = No Change Northern Border Regional Commission $41,000 $42,000 🡹$1,000 Northwest Regional Commission **Newly established** ———- $1,000 🡹$1,000 Southeast Crescent Regional Commission $20,000 $20,000 = No Change Southwest Border Regional Commission $5,000 $5,500 🡹$500 Total $319,100 $323,500 🡹4,400 The newly authorized Mid-Atlantic Regional Commission and Southern New England Regional Commission and reauthorized Northern Great Plains Regional Authority are not currently active and did not receive funding for FY 2026. Department of Housing and Urban Development The Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill provides $77.3 billion for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs, an over $7.2 billion increase from FY 2025. Funding levels were maintained at $1.25 billion for the Home Investmest Partnerships (HOME) and $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs. Department of Labor The Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill provides the U.S. Department of Labor with $13.46 billion for FY 2026, an increase of $65 million from FY 2025. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I and Apprenticeships programs are level funded at $2.92 billion and $285 million, respectively. Department of Transportation The Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill provides $111.8 billion for the U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) in FY 2026, an increase of $4.3 billion from FY 2025. DOT Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program received a 58 percent cut and now sits at $145 million, compared to $345 million in FY 2025. Department of Agriculture The Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill provides $23.2 billion to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for FY 2026, an increase of $100 million from FY 2025. USDA Rural Development programs received $4.1 billion, with the Community Facilities Program receiving $677.2 million, a 30 percent increase over FY 2025. Environmental Protection Agency The Interior-Environment appropriations bill provides the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) $8.816 billion, a $320 million decrease from FY25. The EPA Brownfields Grant Program was level funded at $46.25 million. IMPACT TO NADO MEMBERS For Regional Development Organizations (RDOs), the FY 2026 appropriations package largely maintains funding stability across the federal agencies most critical to regional development, including EDA, HUD, DOT, USDA, DOL, EPA, and the federal‑state regional commissions. LOOKING AHEAD As agencies begin implementing FY 2026 funding, NADO will focus on tracking program guidance, funding availability, and the rollout of new or restructured initiatives across agencies. NADO will also provide any applicable resources in the event of a funding lapse for FEMA programs. February 11, 2026 The post FY 2026 Funding Signed into Law: What’s in the Bill for Regions appeared first on NADO.
National Association of Development Organizations Supports Introduction of Bipartisan BASICS Act to Advance Rural Transportation Priorities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) applauds Representatives Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI) and Robert Bresnahan (R-PA) for their introduction of bipartisan legislation, The Bridges and Safety Infrastructure for Community Success (BASICS) Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday February 9, 2026. The post National Association of Development Organizations Supports Introduction of Bipartisan BASICS Act to Advance Rural Transportation Priorities appeared first on NADO.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/road-1024x576.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32250" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/road-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/road-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/road-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/road-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/road.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> National Association of Development Organizations Supports Introduction of Bipartisan BASICS Act to Advance Rural Transportation Priorities Legislation would provide dedicated federal funding for Rural Transportation Planning Organizations for the first time WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) applauds Representatives Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI) and Robert Bresnahan (R-PA) for their introduction of bipartisan legislation, The Bridges and Safety Infrastructure for Community Success (BASICS) Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday February 9, 2026. This legislation, if passed, would update federal surface transportation programs to strengthen rural and regional planning, empowering local decision-making and increasing funding for local and regional transportation priorities. Specifically, if passed, the bill would provide $300,000 annually to each Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) at 100% federal share, addressing the longstanding issue of RTPOs being unfunded at the federal level. In surface transportation reauthorization, it is critical to address the disparity between the transportation planning resources that are available to rural areas, as compared to urban ones. While Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) receive dedicated transportation funding in the form of Metropolitan Planning (PL) funds, Rural/Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) do not reliably receive any source of dedicated transportation planning funding. This funding imbalance leaves roads in disrepair, delays critical safety improvements, and forces local agencies to stretch inadequate budgets across mounting infrastructure needs. The BASICS Act seeks to address this gap by directing federal investment toward the regional and local agencies that inherently understand the unique needs of their transportation systems and are ultimately accountable for maintaining them, ensuring federal dollars support the infrastructure most critical to our communities. “The BASICS Act is a critically important piece of legislation that will ensure that local and rural transportation stakeholders have sufficient resources to guide transportation planning and project implementation within their communities. This bill will strengthen the voice of rural transportation stakeholders, allowing them to have a more meaningful role in recommending enhancements to rural road safety, along with overseeing other rural transportation and infrastructure projects within their communities,” said Joe McKinney, Executive Director, National Association of Development Organizations. The BASICS Act is supported by the Local Officials in Transportation (LOT) Coalition, which represents more than 25,000 individual counties, cities, towns, planning agencies, and regional economic development organizations across the United States. Coalition members include the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO), the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National League of Cities (NLC), and the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM). The bill reflects months of collaborative work and incorporates extensive input from member organizations and stakeholders. View the one pager, section-by-section summary, and full text of the BASICS Act. The National Association of Development Organizations represents regional development organizations across America that promote regional strategies, partnerships, and solutions to strengthen the economic competitiveness and quality of life across rural communities. February 11, 2026 The post National Association of Development Organizations Supports Introduction of Bipartisan BASICS Act to Advance Rural Transportation Priorities appeared first on NADO.
EDA & Regional Commissions Testify at House T&I Hearing
On January 22, House Transportation & Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing entitled “Smarter Spending, Stronger Results: Reducing Duplication and Ensuring Effectiveness Through Economic Development Reforms” to examine the implementation of the economic development program reforms included in the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA). The post EDA & Regional Commissions Testify at House T&I Hearing appeared first on NADO.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="432" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-29-at-2.21.49-PM-1024x432.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32220" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-29-at-2.21.49-PM-1024x432.png 1024w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-29-at-2.21.49-PM-300x127.png 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-29-at-2.21.49-PM-768x324.png 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-29-at-2.21.49-PM-1536x648.png 1536w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-29-at-2.21.49-PM.png 1883w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> EDA & Regional Commissions Testify at House T&I Hearing On January 22, House Transportation & Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing entitled “Smarter Spending, Stronger Results: Reducing Duplication and Ensuring Effectiveness Through Economic Development Reforms” to examine the implementation of the economic development program reforms included in the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA). Testifying on behalf of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) was Ben Page, who serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development. Additional witnesses included the Federal Co-Chairs of the Federal Regional Commissions. Deputy Assistant Secretary Page’s opening statement centered around the progress being made in implementing that statutory changes made in WRDA, including establishing new offices, adopting new investment priorities, and strengthening coordination with regional commissions. EDA has also begun work on updating the economic distress criteria, which is expected to take over a year and will include stakeholder engagement opportunities. The hearing revealed strong bipartisan support for EDA, with lawmakers emphasizing the critical need for core infrastructure and workforce development investments nationwide. A reoccurring concern centered on local capacity constraints, which some committee members and Federal Co-Chairs identified as a significant barrier to economic development projects locally. Additionally, policymakers called for more intentional coordination between the regional commissions and the EDA, along with an enhanced focus on accountability measures to ensure that these investments deliver measurable results for communities. NADO will keep its members informed on any congressional or EDA implementation actions that emerge as a result of this hearing. Read the hearing transcript HERE. Watch the recording HERE. January 29, 2026 The post EDA & Regional Commissions Testify at House T&I Hearing appeared first on NADO.
Applying an Economic Development Lens to Childcare Webinar Recording
The discussion focuses on how regional planning expertise can support partners seeking to translate childcare challenges into actionable economic evidence. The post Applying an Economic Development Lens to Childcare Webinar Recording appeared first on NADO.
Webinar Recording: Applying an Economic Development Lens to Childcare Childcare constraints shape regional growth and quality of life but are rarely analyzed through an economic development lens. In this webinar, The East Central Florida Regional Planning Council and the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County present a childcare economic impact study developed to quantify those effects in Seminole County, FL. The discussion will focus on how regional planning expertise can support partners seeking to translate childcare challenges into actionable economic evidence. Speakers: Luis Nieves-Ruiz, Director of Economic Development, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council Jennifer Grant, Chief Executive Officer, Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County Dion Thompson-Davoli, Program Manager, NADO Research Foundation Click here to view the slides from this webinar. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-29083 alignleft" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/EDD_CoP_logo_transparent-300x267.png" alt="" width="127" height="112" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/EDD_CoP_logo_transparent-300x267.png 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/EDD_CoP_logo_transparent.png 336w" sizes="(max-width: 127px) 100vw, 127px" />This webinar is offered through the Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), managed by NADO 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 Applying an Economic Development Lens to Childcare Webinar Recording appeared first on NADO.
Unlock USDA Funding to Support Regional Economic Growth
USDA funding can help your region strengthen its profile for biofuel and biomanufacturing development. Through the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG), communities and economic development organizations can access funding to help offset the cost of a BDO Zone Rating. The post Unlock USDA Funding to Support Regional Economic Growth appeared first on NADO.
Unlock USDA Funding to Support Regional Economic Growth USDA funding can help your region strengthen its profile for biofuel and biomanufacturing development. Through the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG), communities and economic development organizations can access funding to help offset the cost of a BDO Zone Rating. A BDO Zone Rating is an independent, internationally recognized assessment that evaluates a region’s biomass supply, logistics, and infrastructure to determine its suitability for new biofuel and biomanufacturing facilities. Often described as a credit rating for biomass development potential, it provides a trusted signal that helps communities stand out to developers and investors. BDO Zone Ratings have already supported over $10 billion in capital for projects in rated regions. Notably, the $2.8 billion USA BioEnergy biofuels facility in Bon Wier, Texas demonstrates how an investment-grade rating can help attract major investment. NADO members have successfully utilized this USDA funding stream in the past, including the Region 9 Economic Development District (Southwest Colorado) and Southeast Conference (AK). Learn more about their BDO Zone Ratings here: [Southwest Colorado BDO Zone] | [Prince of Wales Island, AK BDO Zone]. Communities and economic development organizations interested in exploring eligibility or learning how a BDO Zone Rating could support local economic development are encouraged to contact Ryan Magwood at ryan@ecostrat.com. Learn more at www.bdozone.org. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="980" height="653" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Picture1.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32205" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Picture1.png 980w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Picture1-300x200.png 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Picture1-768x512.png 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Picture1-391x260.png 391w" sizes="(max-width: 980px) 100vw, 980px" /> Webinars: Unlock Funding to Spark Rural Bioeconomy Development Tuesday, February 3, 2026 This webinar featured RDO and community leaders who showcased the impact and interest in bioeconomic development and BDO Zones. The BDO Zone initiative and Ecostrat are active partners supporting NADO and engaging with RDOs across the country to assist in building stronger economies. Speakers: Jordan Solomon, President & CEO, Ecostrat Ryan Magwood, Manager of Business Development-BDO Ratings, Ecostrat Andrew Harmon, Deputy Director, Deep East Texas Council of Governments Robert Venables, Executive Director, Southeast Conference, AK Laura Lewis Marchino, Executive Director, Region 9 EDD, CO Nick Andrews, CEO, USA Bioenergy The post Unlock USDA Funding to Support Regional Economic Growth appeared first on NADO.
Congress Greenlights Appropriations Package as Funding Deadline Looms
On January 15th, the Senate, in an 82-15 vote, passed a funding package that included three bicameral, bipartisan fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills: the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development; and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bills. The post Congress Greenlights Appropriations Package as Funding Deadline Looms appeared first on NADO.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="469" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Capitol-Banner-Image-1024x469.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32194" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Capitol-Banner-Image-1024x469.png 1024w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Capitol-Banner-Image-300x138.png 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Capitol-Banner-Image-768x352.png 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Capitol-Banner-Image.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Congress Greenlights Appropriations Package as Funding Deadline Looms On January 15th, the Senate, in an 82-15 vote, passed a funding package that included three bicameral, bipartisan fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills: the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development; and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bills. The bill now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. The House cleared the package in an overwhelming 397-28 vote on January 8th. WHAT’S IN THE PACKAGE? Economic Development Administration Funding This appropriations package provides $466 million for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) in FY 2026, a modest $2 million reduction below FY 2025 levels. Given the previously submitted proposals for EDA funding in FY 2026, this is a strong reaffirmation of the agency’s role in regional economic development. Below are programmatic items whose funding levels changed for FY 2026 (in thousands of dollars): <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="629" height="693" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-162957.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32196" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-162957.png 629w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-162957-272x300.png 272w" sizes="(max-width: 629px) 100vw, 629px" /> Additionally, the bill eliminates the Good Jobs Challenge program, appearing to replace it with $10 million for Workforce Training Grants, while also adding a new $18 million line item for the Recompete program. Regional Commission Funding The package also provides funding to Federal-State Regional Commissions (in thousands of dollars): <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="625" height="426" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-162931.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32195" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-162931.png 625w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-162931-300x204.png 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-162931-474x324.png 474w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /> The newly authorized Mid-Atlantic Regional Commission and Southern New England Regional Commission and reauthorized Northern Great Plains Regional Authority are not currently active and did not receive funding for FY 2026. IMPACT TO NADO MEMBERS For Regional Development Organizations (RDOs), this package signals continued stability for funding of critical regional development programs and entities by boosting adjustment‑focused EDA programs, adding new workforce investments, and sustaining funding for Regional Commissions. LOOKING AHEAD Congress has four funding bills left to pass before the January 30th deadline: Defense, Transportation-HUD, Labor-HHS-Education and Homeland Security. NADO will continue to closely monitor the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations process, providing analyses on the impacts of legislation to our members. January 21, 2026 The post Congress Greenlights Appropriations Package as Funding Deadline Looms appeared first on NADO.
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Information View our 2026 Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities guide below, or click here to download the PDF version. Use our connect form to inquire about sponsoring or exhibiting at a NADO event in 2026. The post Sponsor and Exhibitor Information appeared first on NADO.
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Information View our 2026 Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities guide below, or click here to download the PDF version. Use our connect form to inquire about sponsoring or exhibiting at a NADO event in 2026. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-0059af9 elementor-pagination-type-bullets elementor-arrows-position-inside elementor-pagination-position-outside elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-carousel" data-id="0059af9" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-settings="{"carousel_items":[{"slide_title":"Slide #1","_id":"a4f35ee"},{"slide_title":"Slide #1","_id":"e3ef8f5"},{"slide_title":"Slide #1","_id":"e17df26"},{"slide_title":"Slide #1","_id":"f0880ef"},{"slide_title":"Slide #1","_id":"042dda5"},{"slide_title":"Slide #1","_id":"7434d1a"},{"slide_title":"Slide #1","_id":"42c43d3"}],"slides_to_show":"1","slides_to_show_tablet":"1","slides_to_show_mobile":"1","autoplay":"yes","autoplay_speed":5000,"pause_on_hover":"yes","pause_on_interaction":"yes","infinite":"yes","speed":500,"offset_sides":"none","arrows":"yes","pagination":"bullets","image_spacing_custom":{"unit":"px","size":10,"sizes":[]},"image_spacing_custom_tablet":{"unit":"px","size":"","sizes":[]},"image_spacing_custom_mobile":{"unit":"px","size":"","sizes":[]}}" data-widget_type="nested-carousel.default"> The post Sponsor and Exhibitor Information appeared first on NADO.