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Current Projects
The Research Foundation is involved in a broad array of research, training and professional development projects. Each project is designed to enhance the association's policy, training and professional development services for regional development professionals, policy officials and stakeholders. The activities of the Research Foundation involve conducting research, publishing reports, sharing best practice models and offering opportunities for peer learning and networking. The projects of the Research Foundation are funded exclusively through private foundation, federal agency and corporation contributions.
Learn more about our current projects below:
Rural Brownfields Awareness Project
In 2001, the NADO Research Foundation launched a new initiative to raise awareness and examine issues related to brownfields revitalization and redevelopment in small metropolitan and rural America. The project is funded under an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency.
As part of the project, the Research Foundation has released special research reports on reclaiming brownfields sites in rural America, understanding common threads to successful brownfields projects, and incorporating brownfields revitalization projects into regional economic development strategies. The Research Foundation has produced a "must-read" resource guide for brownfields stakeholders.
Currently, the focus of the initiative is to provide training and educational development opportunities to regional development professionals, local elected officials and others interested in brownfields redevelopment and revitalization. Learn more about the project.
Environmental Stewardship and Regional Development
The NADO Research Foundation launched the Center for Environmental Stewardship and Regional Development in December 2004, under a cooperative agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The project is focused on promoting regional solutions and strategies for strengthening local environmental stewardship and economic development efforts, including the enhancement of local land use, watershed and air quality management. Learn more about the project.
Economic Development Finance Service (EDFS)
Founded in 1994, EDFS is a subscription service for business development finance professionals that provides timely information, EDFSsavings on highly rated training seminars and certification, an opportunity to be heard by federal policymakers, and a forum to exchange best practices and foster peer learning. EDFS is the only national group supporting organizations that manage EDA RLFs and USDA IRP loan funds, in addition to other federal development finance programs. Learn more about EDFS.
Transportation Advancement and Regional Development
Under a four-year cooperative agreement with the Federal Highway
Administration, the NADO Research Foundation’s Center for Transportation
Advancement and Regional Development provides training, information and
professional resources for small metropolitan and rural regions to pursue
innovative strategies to expand the capabilities, capacity and effectiveness
of a region's transportation network.
At the Research Center, you can find information on timely issues in the
newsletter, read case studies of transportation and economic development
projects, locate information in the Resource Library or in links to
partnering organizations, and find details on conferences that enhance the
professional development and networking of rural transportation and
economic development planners, practitioners, policy officials and key
stakeholders. Learn more about the Center.
RPO America
RPO America (Rural Planning Organizations of America) was established by
the NADO Board of Directors to serve as the national professional
association for rural transportation planning professionals,
practitioners, policymakers and other stakeholders. Founded in June
2006, RPO America is a program affiliate of the National Association
of Development Organizations (NADO) and the NADO Research Foundation.
Rural transportation planning is an emerging field. In order to provide
resources to the rural transportation field as it matures, RPO America
enhances the professional and organizational development of rural
transportation planners and others by providing information, peer
networking and research initiatives and serves as the national
clearinghouse and forum for exchange among stakeholders. For more
information, visit www.RuralTransportation.org.
NADO Innovation Awards
Since 1986 the NADO Innovation Awards Program has recognized organizations that have demonstrated innovative approaches to regional development. Each year the projects selected are highlighted in a special issue of the Regional Development Digest, which is published in July and distributed to NADO members, federal and state officials, the media, and members of Congress.
The award winning programs are also featured in roundtable sessions at NADO's Annual Training Conference. The roundtables give economic and community development professionals and elected officials the opportunity to share with colleagues detailed information about successful strategies for building communities and creating jobs. Many of the winning organizations partnered with local businesses, educational institutions and non-profit groups, allowing them to simultaneously address human and economic development needs, leverage funds and eliminate duplication. Learn more about the program.
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