NADO
type: channel
description: National Association of Development Organizations
date: 2026-06-11T20:50:37Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
generator agent: https://wordpress.org/
items: Tips for EDDs on Contracting Planning Services for Member Communities
items: Video: A Career in Regional Economic Development
items: NADO 2025-2030 Strategic Plan
items: NADO Board of Directors
items: Building Capacity and Strengthening EDD-University Connections In Arkansas
items: Building Connection and Economic Opportunity Through Community Forestry
items: [Webinar]: Why Clusters Matter: Industry-focused Strategies for Regional Economic Competitiveness
items: Opportunity Zones 2.0 Resource Guide
items: Regional Transportation Planning Organizations Highlighted in Senate Hearing on the Federal Highway Administration
items: OMB Proposed Rule Would Revise Federal Award Regulations

Tips for EDDs on Contracting Planning Services for Member Communities
type: item
creator: Brett Schwartz
date: 2026-06-01T18:26:18Z
subject: Economic Resilience
subject: EDD CoP
subject: Organizational Sustainability
subject: Project Development & Management
subject: Regional Development
subject: Regional Planning
subject: contract planning
subject: EDDs
subject: fee-for-service
description: This resource provides tips and best practices drawn from the experiences of EDD staff who have managed fee-for-service or contract planning services in their member communities. While the EDDs featured operate in the Southeast, their lessons can apply broadly to districts across the country The post Tips for EDDs on Contracting Planning Services for Member Communities appeared first on NADO.
encoded: Leveraging Regional Planning Expertise for Local Impact Tips for EDDs on Contract Planning Services for Member Communities Economic Development Districts (EDDs) can provide municipal and county governments with a broad portfolio of economic and community development programs and services. Through the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and other regional planning initiatives, EDDs empower member communities to set a regional vision and roadmap for economic success. In many cases, EDDs also use this planning expertise to offer member communities an expanded, localized set of planning services that help them to address specific needs. These include, but are not limited to, neighborhood master planning, economic asset studies, cluster analyses, comprehensive plans, organizational studies, market studies, and local economic development planning. This resource provides tips and best practices drawn from the experiences of EDD staff who have managed fee-for-service or contract planning services in their member communities. While these EDDs operate in the Southeast, their lessons can apply broadly to districts across the country. Click here to explore this resource. 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 Tips for EDDs on Contracting Planning Services for Member Communities appeared first on NADO.

Video: A Career in Regional Economic Development
type: item
creator: Brett Schwartz
date: 2026-05-26T17:26:05Z
subject: EDD CoP
subject: Featured Resources
subject: Organizational Sustainability
subject: Regional Development
subject: Regional Planning
subject: career
subject: regional economic development
description: A career with an EDD or RDO offers the chance to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the communities and regions you serve. In this video, you'll hear from four experienced leaders in regional economic development as they reflect on their career paths, the impact of their work, and what it takes to succeed in the field. The post Video: A Career in Regional Economic Development appeared first on NADO.
encoded: Video: A Career in Regional Economic Development A career with an Economic Development District (EDD) or Regional Development Organization (RDO) offers the chance to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the communities and regions you serve. In this video, you’ll hear from four experienced leaders in regional economic development as they reflect on their career paths, the impact of their work, and what it takes to succeed in the field. The conversation highlights the importance of building and nurturing partnerships, serving the public good, and keeping people at the center of economic development efforts. For those drawn to public service, the field of regional economic development offers a career where daily work contributes to long-term change. Featured speakers: Martha Shickle, Executive Director, PlanRVA (VA) Matthew Dolge, Executive Director, Piedmont Triad Regional Council (NC) Jill Foys, Executive Director, Northwest Commission (PA) Joe McKinney, Executive Director, National Association of Development Organizations (DC) <img decoding="async" width="336" height="299" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/EDD_CoP_logo_transparent.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-29083" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/EDD_CoP_logo_transparent.png 336w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/EDD_CoP_logo_transparent-300x267.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px" /> This video was produced by the NADO Research Foundation (NADO RF) through the Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP). The EDD CoP is managed by NADO RF and 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 contained in this video are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.…

NADO 2025-2030 Strategic Plan
type: item
creator: Katie Allison
date: 2026-05-21T17:15:10Z
subject: Uncategorized
description: 2025-2030 Strategic Plan This report presents a strategic plan designed to guide the future organizational development of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO). The NADO 2025-2030 Strategic Plan articulates an ambitious path forward that is designed to reinforce NADO’s role as one of the leading national associations representing the interests of regional community and […] The post NADO 2025-2030 Strategic Plan appeared first on NADO.
encoded: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="945" height="317" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NADOLogo-2022.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-31359" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NADOLogo-2022.png 945w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NADOLogo-2022-300x101.png 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NADOLogo-2022-768x258.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px" /> 2025-2030 Strategic Plan <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="791" height="1024" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pages-from-2025-2030-NADO-Strategic-Plan-791x1024.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32644" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pages-from-2025-2030-NADO-Strategic-Plan-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pages-from-2025-2030-NADO-Strategic-Plan-232x300.jpg 232w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pages-from-2025-2030-NADO-Strategic-Plan-768x994.jpg 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pages-from-2025-2030-NADO-Strategic-Plan-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pages-from-2025-2030-NADO-Strategic-Plan-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pages-from-2025-2030-NADO-Strategic-Plan.jpg 1700w" sizes="(max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px" /> This report presents a strategic plan designed to guide the future organizational development of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO). The NADO 2025-2030 Strategic Plan articulates an ambitious path forward that is designed to reinforce NADO’s role as one of the leading national associations representing the interests of regional community and economic development practitioners in the United States. This strategic plan is the culmination of a comprehensive and inclusive process that blended data analysis with extensive stakeholder engagement. Click…

NADO Board of Directors
type: item
creator: Katie Allison
date: 2026-05-05T17:42:05Z
subject: Uncategorized
description: 2026-2028 NADO Board of Directors The NADO Board of Directors oversees the association’s budget and operations and develops policy on issues affecting Regional Development Organizations (RDOs). NADO’s 65-member Board includes members that represent a broad section of the United States including the Eastern, Central, Midwestern, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western regions, as well as NADO’s affiliate […] The post NADO Board of Directors appeared first on NADO.
encoded: <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-2f958a7 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent" data-id="2f958a7" data-element_type="container" data-e-type="container" data-settings="{"background_background":"slideshow","background_slideshow_gallery":[{"id":32594,"url":"https:\/\/www.nado.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/NADOsteprepeat2.jpg"}],"background_slideshow_loop":"yes","background_slideshow_slide_duration":5000,"background_slideshow_slide_transition":"fade","background_slideshow_transition_duration":500}"> 2026-2028 NADO Board of Directors The NADO Board of Directors oversees the association’s budget and operations and develops policy on issues affecting Regional Development Organizations (RDOs). NADO’s 65-member Board includes members that represent a broad section of the United States including the Eastern, Central, Midwestern, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western regions, as well as NADO’s affiliate membership. View NADO’s Executive Committee here. Central Region East Region Midwest Region Southeast Southwest West Affiliates Past Presidents Central Region Tom Bliss, Executive Director, Southeast Nebraska Development District (Lincoln, NE) Rachelle Howe, Executive Director, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (Decorah, IA) Cindy Hultz, Executive Director, Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments (Perry, MO) Laura Lewis Marchino, Executive Director, Region 9 EDD of Southwest Colorado (Durango, CO) John McCurdy, Executive Director, Southwest Iowa Planning Council (Atlantic, IA) Amber Metz, Executive Director, Lake Agassiz Regional Council (Fargo, ND) Nichole Moore, Executive Director, Chariton Valley Planning & Development COG (Centerville, IA) Paul Tuss, Executive Director, Bear Paw Development Corporation (Havre, MT) East Region Catherine Dimitruk, Executive Director, Northwest Regional Planning Commission (St. Albans, VT) Jill Foys, Executive Director, Northwest Commission (Oil City, PA) Beth Gilles, Executive Director, Lake Champlain-Lake …

Building Capacity and Strengthening EDD-University Connections In Arkansas
type: item
creator: Brett Schwartz
date: 2026-05-12T18:07:57Z
subject: Economic Resilience
subject: EDD CoP
subject: Regional Development
subject: Regional Planning
subject: Arkansas
subject: CEDS
subject: economic development
subject: planning
subject: university partnerships
description: This case study demonstrates how University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service (UADA Extension) partners with all eight EDA-designated Economic Development Districts in Arkansas to strengthen regional capacity, with a focus on its long-standing collaboration with the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District (WAPDD). It highlights how coordinated efforts in training, data sharing, and community facilitation have evolved into a scalable, locally rooted model for university–EDD partnerships. The post Building Capacity and Strengthening EDD-University Connections In Arkansas appeared first on NADO.
encoded: Strengthening Local Capacity and Connections University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension & Western Arkansas Planning and Development District The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service (UADA Extension) delivers statewide impact through a community-based model that connects local knowledge with university-driven research, data, and technical expertise. With a presence in every county, its work is guided by a mission focused on technical assistance, applied research, and the practical dissemination of tools and knowledge to support community and economic development across Arkansas. This case study demonstrates how UADA Extension partners with all eight EDA-designated Economic Development Districts in Arkansas to strengthen regional capacity, with a focus on its long-standing collaboration with the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District (WAPDD). It highlights how coordinated efforts in training, data sharing, and community facilitation have evolved into a scalable, locally rooted model for university–EDD partnerships. Click here to explore this resource. 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 Building Capacity and Strengthening EDD-University Connections In Arkansas appeared first on NADO.

Building Connection and Economic Opportunity Through Community Forestry
type: item
creator: Katie Allison
date: 2026-04-29T15:47:43Z
subject: Climate Resilience
subject: EDD CoP
description: In 2023, Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments (UCPCOG) in eastern North Carolina received funding to hire a dedicated staff member to establish a Community Forestry Program. The new position allowed UCPCOG to expand its regional service offerings and respond to growing member interest in urban and community forestry as a tool to support livability, resilience, and local capacity building, particularly in economically distressed communities with limited staff and resources. The post Building Connection and Economic Opportunity Through Community Forestry appeared first on NADO.
encoded: Building Connection and Economic Opportunity Through Community Forestry Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments Community Forestry Program <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="791" height="1024" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Upper-Coastal-Plains-COG-Case-Study_cover-791x1024.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32511" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Upper-Coastal-Plains-COG-Case-Study_cover-791x1024.png 791w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Upper-Coastal-Plains-COG-Case-Study_cover-232x300.png 232w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Upper-Coastal-Plains-COG-Case-Study_cover-768x994.png 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Upper-Coastal-Plains-COG-Case-Study_cover-1187x1536.png 1187w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Upper-Coastal-Plains-COG-Case-Study_cover.png 1545w" sizes="(max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px" /> In 2023, Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments (UCPCOG) in eastern North Carolina received funding to hire a dedicated staff member to establish a Community Forestry Program. The new position allowed UCPCOG to expand its regional service offerings and respond to growing member interest in urban and community forestry as a tool to support livability, resilience, and local capacity building, particularly in economically distressed communities with limited staff and resources. Using a voluntary “Coalition of the Willing” model, UCPCOG provided technical assistance and grant support to six participating towns, helping them develop tree inventories, planting plans, and Arbor Day programming while pursuing Arbor Day Foundation designations such as Tree City USA. Through this approach, communities of varying sizes, from Castalia to Wilson, strengthened their readiness for future funding and long‑term community forestry investment despite ongoing resource constraints. Click here to explore this resource. This resource is offere…

[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: 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 loading="lazy" 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, mappi…

Regional Transportation Planning Organizations Highlighted in Senate Hearing on the Federal Highway Administration
type: item
creator: Juliette Wilder
date: 2026-06-03T20:53:15Z
subject: Uncategorized
subject: Advocacy Updates
description: On June 3, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on "The Federal Highway Administration's Proposed FY2027 Budget." The post Regional Transportation Planning Organizations Highlighted in Senate Hearing on the Federal Highway Administration appeared first on NADO.
encoded: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-8-1024x576.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32684" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-8-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-8-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-8-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-8-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-8.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> June 3, 2026 Regional Transportation Planning Organizations Highlighted in Senate Hearing on the Federal Highway Administration On June 3, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on “The Federal Highway Administration’s Proposed FY2027 Budget.” The key witness of the hearing was Sean McMaster, Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The FHWA is housed within the Department of Transportation and oversees the Federal-Aid Highway Program, the primary funding mechanism for surface transportation projects. During the hearing, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) raised concerns that while Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) receive dedicated federal funding, their rural counterparts, Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs), do not. “Years ago, Congress created an equivalent program for rural communities called Regional Transportation Planning Organizations, but there’s never been dedicated funding provided in the Highway Trust Fund to fund them, and I think that’s been a real disservice to rural communities. It’s another way where they’re just left behind.” Senator Kelly highlighted the role RTPOs play in delivering projects more efficiently with fewer delays, greater community support, and lower costs. In response, Administrator McMaster indicated his …

OMB Proposed Rule Would Revise Federal Award Regulations
type: item
creator: Juliette Wilder
date: 2026-06-01T20:29:15Z
subject: Uncategorized
subject: Advocacy Updates
description: On May 29, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced a proposed rule for a sweeping revision of government-wide federal financial assistance rules (2 CFR), covering grants, cooperative agreements and related awards across dozens of agencies. The rule would require conforming changes by agencies including the departments of Agriculture, State, Energy, Treasury, Transportation, Commerce, Interior, Labor, Education, Environmental Protection Agency and others. The post OMB Proposed Rule Would Revise Federal Award Regulations appeared first on NADO.
encoded: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-7-1024x576.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-32669" alt="" srcset="https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-7-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-7-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-7-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-7-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-7.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> June 1, 2026 OMB Proposed Rule Would Revise Federal Award Regulations Overview and Background On May 29, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced a proposed rule for a sweeping revision of government-wide federal financial assistance rules (2 CFR), covering grants, cooperative agreements and related awards across dozens of agencies. The rule would require conforming changes by agencies including the departments of Agriculture, State, Energy, Treasury, Transportation, Commerce, Interior, Labor, Education, Environmental Protection Agency and others. OMB’s proposed rule codifies a number of executive orders (EOs) issued within the Trump administration related to federal awards. These EOs center around shifting the authority for grantmaking to the administration’s appointees, as well as ensuring that awards do not contribute to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities. What’s included in the proposed rule? OMB states the proposed rule is intended to strengthen “transparency, accountability, and oversight” in federal grantmaking and reduce burden on grant recipients. To ensure agency compliance, OMB clarifies that 2 CFR will be revised to clarify its status as a binding regulation rather than guidance. Specific changes announced in the proposed rule include: Requiring approval by a politi…