National Association of Development Organizations
Tips for EDDs on Contracting Planning Services for Member Communities
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.
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
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.
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. The post Video: A Career in Regional Economic Development appeared first on NADO.
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.
<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 here to view the report. The post NADO 2025-2030 Strategic Plan appeared first on NADO.
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.
<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 George Regional Planning Board (Lake George, NY) Jeremy Holmes, Executive Director, Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (Roanoke, VA) Amy Kessler, Director of Community Development & Reg’l Planning, North Central PA Commission (Ridgway, PA) Devon Neary, Executive Director, Rutland Regional Planning Commission (Rutland, VT) Martha Shickle, Executive Director, Plan RVA (Richmond, VA) Shane Whitehair, Executive Director, Region VII Planning & Development Council (Buckhannon, WV) Midwest Region Alene Carr, Executive Director, Southeastern Illinois RPDC (Harrisburg, IL) Jeff Hagan, Executive Director, Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional PDC (Sault Ste. Marie, MI) Chasity Schmelzenbach, Executive Director, Buckeye Hills Regional Council (Marietta, OH) Darla Waldner, Executive Director, Northwest Regional Development Commission (Warren, MN) Southeast Region Boyd Austin, Executive Director, Northwest Georgia Regional Commission (Rome, GA) Joe Barker, Executive Director, Southwest Tennessee Development District (Jackson, TN) Mark Farley, Executive Director, Upper Cumberland Development District (Cookeville, TN) Scott Farmer, Executive Director, Southeast Alabama Regional Planning & Development Commission (Dothan, AL) Randall Imler, Executive Director, Catawba Regional Council of Governments (Rock Hill, SC) Chris Rietow, Executive Director, Apalachee Regional Planning Council (Tallahassee, FL) Lori Sokol, Executive Director, East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (Anniston, AL) Danna Stansbury, Executive Director, Foothills Regional Commission (Rutherfordton, NC) Anthony Starr, Executive Director, Western Piedmont Council of Governments (Hickory, NC) Jason Vincent, Executive Director, Pennyrile Area Development District (Hopkinsville, KY) Waylon Wright, Executive Director, Lake Cumberland Area Development District (Russell Springs, KY) Rick Yakubic, Executive Director, East Tennessee Development District (Alcoa, TN) Southwest Region Kevin Belanger, Executive Director, South Central Planning and Development Commission (Houma, LA) Shanna Burke, Executive Director, Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission (Beaumont, TX) Sandy Chancey, Executive Director, Eastern Plains Council of Governments (Clovis, NM) Errin Clocker, Grand Gateway Economic Development Association (Big Cabin, OK) Kelly Criswell, Executive Director, South Plains Association of Governments (Lubbock, TX) Lonnie Hunt, Executive Director, Deep East Texas Council of Governments (Lufkin, TX) Dwayne Pratt, Executive Director, West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District (Hot Springs, AR) West Region Lisa Dawson, Executive Director, Northeast Oregon EDD (Enterprise, OR) Jeff McCurdy, Executive Director, Region IV Development Association (Twin Falls, ID) Ryan Richardson, Executive Director, Superior California Economic Development (Redding, CA) Affiliates Pascual Maestas, Executive Director, New Mexico Association of Regional Councils (Taos, NM) Todd McNeill, Executive Director, North Carolina Association of Regional Council of Governments (Raleigh, NC) Toni Stinnett, Program Manager, Grow America (Seattle, WA) Past Presidents Kevin Byrd, Executive Director, New River Valley Regional Commission (Radford, VA) Chris Fetzer, Executive Director, Northern Arizona Council of Governments (Flagstaff, AZ) Lynne Keller Forbes, Executive Director, Southeastern Council of Governments (Sioux Falls, SD) Peter Gregory, Executive Director, Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (Woodstock, VT) Vernon (Randy) Kelley, Executive Director, Three Rivers Planning Development District (Pontotoc, MS) Jeff Kiely, Emeritus Position, Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments (Gallup, NM) Scott Koons, Executive Director, North Central Florida Regional Planning Council (Gainesville, FL) The post NADO Board of Directors appeared first on NADO.
Building Capacity and Strengthening EDD-University Connections In Arkansas
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.
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
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.
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 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 Connection and Economic Opportunity Through Community Forestry appeared first on NADO.
[Webinar]: Why Clusters Matter: Industry-focused Strategies for Regional Economic Competitiveness
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.
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]: Why Clusters Matter: Industry-focused Strategies for Regional Economic Competitiveness appeared first on NADO.
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.
<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, mapping and data tools to support informed planning and decision making, and materials about local planning and implementation considerations. It also includes notes on how EDD and RDO staff can best use these resources to support their work. Contact NADO Program Manager Joe D’Antonio at jdantonio@nado.org with any questions or to suggest additional resources to include on this page. Last updated May 22, 2026 Understanding the OZ Program Accelerator for America – Opportunity Zone Resources for Local Leaders https://www.acceleratorforamerica.org/oztoolkit/ This website can serve as a guide for local leaders to identify and advocate to state officials for the designation of OZ tracts that are most likely to attract capital that aligns with community priorities and lay the groundwork for implementing local policies and programs to drive impactful OZ investments. The site also includes an Opportunity Zones Designation Toolkit that provides a guide for local leaders to assess and identify their communities’ high-priority tracts. Economic Innovation Group: Opportunity Zones 2.0 — Where Things Stand After the One Big Beautiful Bill Act https://eig.org/opportunity-zones-2-0-where-things-stand/ This overview from EIG, the organization that originally conceived the OZ policy, covers the new eligibility criteria, redesignation process, incentive structure changes, enhanced rural investment provisions, and other issues. EDDs looking for a single authoritative summary of what has changed should start here. Economic Innovation Group: OZs 2.0 Resources Hub https://eig.org/ozs-resources/ This centralized resource page brings together EIG’s updated eligibility map, policy analyses, webinar recordings for state and local policymakers, and guidance documents. It includes an interactive eligibility map showing which census tracts meet OZ 2.0 qualifying criteria nationwide based on the latest ACS data. EDDs can use this to access the most current OZ 2.0 information and tools. HUD: Opportunity Zones Portal https://opportunityzones.hud.gov/ HUD’s main OZ portal, updated for OZ 2.0, includes interactive maps of current 1.0 designations, rural area census tracts, information for investors and communities, and links to federal resources. The site also links to the HUD Exchange resources page which catalogs how various HUD programs (CDBG, HOME, Choice Neighborhoods, RAD) can be layered with OZ investments. IRS: Opportunity Zones https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/businesses/opportunity-zones The IRS’s official OZ page covering eligibility requirements, filing information for Qualified Opportunity Funds, and links to regulations and guidance. EDDs can direct staff, communities, and potential investors here for information on the tax mechanics of the program. Tax Policy Center (Brookings/Urban): What Are Opportunity Zones and How Do They Work? https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-are-opportunity-zones-and-how-do-they-work This resource works as a politically neutral explainer covering how the OZ program works, its structure, investment patterns, and early evidence on outcomes from the first round. It notes that just 1% of zones received 42% of investment and that 78% of investments went to just 5% of zones, which may be useful context for EDDs thinking about how to position their communities for the next round. Congressional Research Service: Tax Incentives for Opportunity Zones https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45152 CRS’s nonpartisan overview of the OZ program including the tax mechanics, evidence on investment patterns from the first round, the potential for “stacking” OZ incentives with other federal tools like New Market Tax Credits, and policy considerations. EDDs may want to consult this document when considering how federal economic development incentive programs may overlap in their regions. The Designation Process and Zone Selection Economic Innovation Group: Opportunity Zones 2.0 — A Guide for Governors and Mayors https://eig.org/ozs-guidance/ This report walks through the national designation process and timeline, provides a framework for selecting zones strategically, and offers eight principles for a robust state selection process. It emphasizes that governors should engage regional stakeholders early and that states should use nominations to reward places that reduce barriers to investment. EDDs can use this to understand the process their governors will follow and to position their regions and localities for strong nominations. [Webinar] Urban Institute: Selecting the Next Round of Opportunity Zones — New Evidence and Field Reflections https://www.urban.org/events/selecting-next-round-opportunity-zones-new-evidence-and-field-reflections This webinar reviews evidence on OZ investment trends from OZ 1.0 and field experience with the goal of informing how states should decide which places to nominate. It features researchers from Urban Institute, Brookings, and practitioners from organizations like Accelerator for America and National Equity Fund. Speakers also discuss how city and county officials and other local stakeholders can help states make strong nominations. EDDs can use this to understand what made certain zones successful and what factors to emphasize when advocating for nominations in their regions. Urban Institute: Data to Inform 2026 Opportunity Zone Selections https://datacatalog.urban.org/dataset/data-inform-2026-opportunity-zone-selections The Urban Institute’s national data tool models OZ investment potential and classifies census tracts into three categories: “Less likely to attract OZ investment,” “More likely to attract OZ investment, with larger impact,” and “Likely to attract capital even without OZs.” While not dispositive, it reflects Urban’s experience working with stakeholders on OZs and its data analysis expertise. EDDs can download this data to identify “Goldilocks” tracts in their regions, places with genuine need and realistic investment potential. Frost Brown Todd: Strategic Selection of Opportunity Zones 2.0 — A Governor’s Guide to Best Practices https://fbtgibbons.com/strategic-selection-of-opportunity-zones-2-0-a-governors-guide-to-best-practices/ This guide offers a practical framework for the 2026 OZ redesignation, covering recommended income thresholds for tract selection, rural-urban split strategies by state type, the role of transportation access in rural designations, and how to balance investor interest against community need. It also reviews first-round performance data, including which zones attracted investment and why many did not. EDDs can use this to understand the criteria governors are likely to apply and to strengthen nomination cases for their regions. [Webinar] Economic Innovation Group: OZs 2.0: What State and Local Leaders Need to Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZE5Rv3eSdE This recorded webinar from EIG provides state and local policymakers with practical guidance on the OZ program under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. In particular, it addresses how states and localities can align designations with long-term community priorities and position themselves to attract private capital. EDDs can use this to help think through how their OZ strategy mirrors that of their existing community plans, including the CEDS. Housing Policy Lab: Opportunity Zones Resources https://www.localhousingsolutions.org/housing-policy-library/opportunity-zones/ This brief focuses on how the OZ program intersects with housing. It synthesizes research on where OZ 1.0 housing investment went, finding that capital concentrated in urban tracts with strong existing markets rather than the most distressed areas. It also includes practical examples of how cities used OZ incentives to support affordable housing. EDDs working on housing as part of their regional strategies may find the research summary and city-level examples useful for thinking about how to pair OZ designations with existing housing and land use tools. Partners for Rural Transformation, Housing Assistance Council, and HOPE Policy Institute: Activating Rural Investments in the Next Round of Opportunity Zones https://ruralhome.org/activating-rural-investments-in-the-next-round-of-opportunity-zones/ This brief offers recommendations for how states can ensure their OZ 2.0 designations reach rural communities, particularly areas of persistent poverty. It argues that the statute’s broad definition of “rural” is insufficient on its own and recommends that states layer additional criteria including persistent poverty status and alignment with existing state investments in broadband, housing, and economic development. It also covers stakeholder engagement, technical assistance for rural project sponsors, and includes OZ 1.0 rural case studies in affordable housing, senior care, historic revitalization, and broadband. It is particularly relevant for EDDs looking to advocate for rural tract nominations in their states or help communities prepare for OZ investment. Mapping and Data Tools Novogradac: Opportunity Zones 2.0 Mapping Tool https://www.novoco.com/resource-centers/opportunity-zones-resource-center/novogradac-opportunity-zones-20-mapping-tool Novogradac’s free interactive mapping tool shows which census tracts are likely eligible or ineligible for OZ designation in the 2026 round. It categorizes tracts as “Likely Eligible, Likely Rural,” “Likely Eligible, Likely Not Rural,” “Likely Eligible, Potentially Rural,” and “Likely Not Eligible.” EDDs can use this to identify which tracts in their regions are likely to qualify under the tighter 2.0 criteria and to begin conversations with local governments. Economic Innovation Group: OZ 2.0 Interactive Eligibility Map https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/c473c71f0704408f934fbdc342caf1f1 EIG’s eligibility map gives its interpretation of which census tracts meet OZ 2.0 qualifying criteria nationwide based on the latest ACS data. EDDs should check both tools and compare results for their regions. HUD: Opportunity Zones Map (1.0 and Rural Area Census Tracts) https://opportunityzones.hud.gov/ HUD’s mapping tool shows current OZ 1.0 designations alongside rural area boundaries as defined by the OBBBA. It may be useful for EDDs comparing the current OZ map to the likely 2.0 eligibility landscape. Considerations for Community Planning and Local Implementation Treasury Department Guidance to States: Nominating Eligible Tracts https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/treasury-irs-provide-guidance-to-states-for-nominating-census-tracts-as-qualified-opportunity-zones-under-the-one-big-beautiful-bill This Treasury Department guidance, directed to gubernatorial offices, describes in detail the Opportunity Zones designation process. It also includes an official list of eligible Census Tracts for designation. There are 25,332 eligible Tracts, of which 8,334 are comprised entirely of rural areas. It is expected that this page will be updated with interactive tools to view the eligible tracts in the coming weeks. EDDs may find this useful for understanding specifically how governors will nominate tracts for designation. EPA: Leveraging Opportunity Zones for Community Revitalization https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/leveraging-opportunity-zones-community-revitalization These reports, developed to help communities leverage their OZ 1.0 designations, describe how help communities can advance their plans and visions for redevelopment and revitalization, prioritize specific needs, preserve community character, and overcome project financing barriers to attract private capital: Leveraging Development Finance Tools to Attract Opportunity Zone Investment (PDF): Provides an overview of various development finance tools and how communities can use those tools to finance projects. Assembled together, these tools can help form a project’s capital stack. Building A Community Prospectus: A Framework for Attracting Sustainable and Equitable Opportunity Zone Investment (PDF): Outlines a 7-step process for developing a community prospectus with strategies and case study examples that promote sustainability and thriving communities. It is designed to help communities articulate their vision, priorities, and assets and develop incentives and guardrails for attracting investment. Five Strategies for Engaging Opportunity Zone Investors (PDF): Includes key things to know about OZ investors and ideas for engaging them. It also aims to help communities get started in demonstrating readiness for investment. Urban Institute: Opportunity Zone Community Impact Assessment Tool https://www.urban.org/projects/capital-communities-scorecard-digital-user-guide A tool for assessing the potential social impact of proposed OZ investments across six dimensions: jobs, community wealth building, housing, environment, health/services, and transportation. This may be useful for EDDs and local governments that want to evaluate whether proposed projects align with community priorities before lending support. Local Infrastructure Hub/Results for America: Guide to the New Opportunity Zones — A Primer for Cities https://localinfrastructure.org/resources/guide-to-the-new-opportunity-zones-a-primer-for-cities/ This series of case studies reviews cities that took active approaches to OZ implementation in the first round and makes recommendations for them this time around. It also includes a webinar recording. EDDs can share this with local governments as a resource specifically targeted for their needs. TIP Strategies: Laying the Groundwork for Opportunity Zones 2.0 https://tipstrategies.com/insights/2025/12/groundwork-for-opportunity-zones/ This practitioner-focused guide lays out an approach to analyzing eligible tracts, overlaying community priorities, preparing investment prospectuses, building “stacks” with complementary tools (TIF, public-private partnerships, local grants), and understanding new compliance requirements. It can be used by EDDs as they look at making potential tract recommendations or shared with local and state partners. EDA Presentation to Southwest Region Economic Development Association (SWREDA) on Opportunity Zones and CEDS Development, 2019 https://swreda.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ivesoz-191213215840.pdf This conference session presentation from the first round of Opportunity Zones includes advice aimed squarely at EDDs for integrating OZs into economic development planning, including through the CEDS. The presentation highlights key considerations for measuring and reporting OZ performance and ideas for leveraging CEDS planning to create durable coalitions that can spur investment in designated zones. Its recommendations may be relevant to EDDs and other economic development organizations as they begin to create plans to leverage new OZ designations in their communities. Opportunity Zones 2.0 Could Be a Major Opening for Rural Communities. Here’s Why. https://ruralinnovation.us/blog/opportunity-zones-2-0-major-opening-rural-communities/ This blog post from the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) provides an overview of the purpose of Opportunity Zones and the process for a community to have one designated in their area. It also highlights the ways that rural communities can take advantage of Opportunity Zones. 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 views and opinions expressed by other organizations or outside publications referenced in this resource guide do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of the National Association of Development Organizations or its members. The post Opportunity Zones 2.0 Resource Guide appeared first on NADO.
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 post Regional Transportation Planning Organizations Highlighted in Senate Hearing on the Federal Highway Administration appeared first on NADO.
<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 willingness for FHWA to provide technical assistance to Congress on RTPO funding in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill. He did not, however, provide any specific commitments for dedicated funding. NADO continues to work across Capitol Hill and the Department of Transportation to support dedicated funding for RTPO in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill and beyond. If you have any questions on this work, please contact policy@nado.org. A recording of the hearing can be found HERE. The post Regional Transportation Planning Organizations Highlighted in Senate Hearing on the Federal Highway Administration appeared first on NADO.
OMB Proposed Rule Would Revise Federal Award Regulations
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.
<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 political appointee before an agency may issue awards. Instructing agencies that awards must “demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities,” where applicable. Providing discretionary authority for agencies to terminate grants or subawards, respectively, except when prohibited by statute. Adding prohibitions on using grant funds to: support collaborations with covered foreign entities and covered foreign countries; and DEI, DEIA, and gender ideology programs. Striking the Councils of Governments (COGs) exemption which allowed COGs to include up to 50 percent of salaries and expenses directly attributable to managing and operating Federal programs in the indirect cost calculation without documentation. Expanding the Department of Homeland Security E-Verify system citizenship status checks in FAR-funded contracts to grant-funded employees and contractors. Eliminating fixed amount subawards, requiring a shift to a cost-reimbursable model. Restricting allowable costs, with conferences, publications, memberships, fundraising, and lobbying-adjacent activities facing new pre-approval requirements or outright restrictions. Encouraging giving discretionary awards to institutions with the lowest indirect cost rates. Directing agencies to design awards as multi-year rather than requiring annual re-competition. Enhancing monitoring obligations and SAM.gov reporting requirements for subrecipients, with noncompliance now a potential ground for termination. Next Steps Comments on the proposed rule are due on July 13 and can be submitted HERE. The proposed rule is likely to draw public opposition. Last year, a federal court ruled to block enforcement of key provisions of EOs 14173 and 14151; however, that decision was overturned earlier this year. Given that the proposed rule relies heavily on previously challenged executive orders, this rulemaking process is expected to be litigated. As we continue to evaluate the impacts of the proposed rule, please reach out to policy@nado.org with concerns or questions on impacts this may have on your work. The post OMB Proposed Rule Would Revise Federal Award Regulations appeared first on NADO.