Viewpoint

Aliceann Wolhbruck, Executive Director, NADO Research Foundation

"EDDs very effectively use the EDA funding they receive. They have a strong ability to use that funding to leverage funding from other sources to pursue development activities." - EDA’s and Wayne State University’s Evaluation of EDA's Planning Program Report

The 323 economic development districts currently funded by the Economic Development Administration are the institutional infrastructure that supports and informs the city, town and county officials they serve, according to the Wayne State University study.

While the dollar amount received by districts through the planning grants is small (average $53,000), it provides critical support for the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to help local policymakers understand their regions. Over the 37 years of the district program, the return on investment to the public and private sector has been enormous. Districts and the EDA planning funds are particularly important in small metropolitan and rural regions where local governments have limited capacity and financial resources.

Executive directors of districts often point out that “planning grant” is really a misnomer. The focus of the district is not only on planning and preparation of the CEDS, but even more important, technical assistance and information for all their member governments and other organizations in their region. When a disaster strikes, a plant closes, a local water system collapses, or the scourge of drugs hurts a rural county, the district is there to find resources and help with recovery. And when there are new opportunities for development and growth, the district is there to put together plans and strategies for taking advantage of them.

The broad scope of work by districts is evident in this Digest - helping rural communities fight drug abuse and improving government services through technology. Because of the district board structure which includes elected officials, business, citizen and minority representatives, the Wayne State researchers noted, “…Our overall assessment is that the EDDs have been very effective in building coalitions, creating a common understanding of the challenges facing the community struggling to improve its economic conditions, and developing and implementing a wide range of projects and programs toward that improvement.”

NADO was founded in 1967 by a small, dedicated group of executive directors of districts, and throughout our 35 year history the districts, NADO and EDA have maintained a close working relationship to strengthen districts and improve the lives of those served by these regional development organizations. Publication of the Economic Development Digest is the premier example of these joint EDA-NADO efforts and we thank Dr. David Sampson, EDA Assistant Secretary, for continuing to support our research and training through the Digest for Fiscal Year 2003.

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