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NADO

The National Association of Development Organizations is a national association that promotes regional development strategies, partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen economic competitiveness and quality of life within local communities across the country.

Advocacy

NADO's federal advocacy agenda

NADO advocates for federal programs, policies, and initiatives that promote regional community development, economic competitiveness, quality of place, and economic mobility.

Events

NADO Events

NADO events provide opportunities for NADO members and non-members alike to network, engage in peer-learning, share solutions, learn about innovative tools and resources, stay apprised of relevant policy issues and advocacy efforts, and develop new approaches and strategies for facilitating regional community development in communities across the country.

Resources

NADO Resources

The NADO Research Foundation (NADO RF) provides education, research, and training that supports and strengthens the national network of Regional Development Organizations (RDOs).

Membership

Become a Member

Become a NADO member and gain access to training, resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities to help support your regional development work.

About Us

about NADO

The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) is a leading voice in Washington, DC, advocating for federal programs and policies that promote regional community development and economic competitiveness.

Featured Resources

Strategic Planning And Revitalization for Communities

East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (ECWRPC) is using a creative method to plan with small communities in their region. SPARC, Strategic Planning And Revitalization for Communities, is a small community technical assistance program that combines visioning workshops, design consultation, and grant assistance to help communities move projects forward.

Power Regions: Rural Energy Academy Visits Austin

On April 17, 2026, NADO’s Rural Energy Academy (REA) team hosted a post-conference session at the University of Texas JJ Pickle Research Campus following the Southwest Regional Economic Development Association (SWREDA) conference in Austin, TX. Economic Development District (EDD) leaders from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas spent the afternoon hearing from researchers, practitioners, and community leaders on pressing energy topics facing rural communities today before embarking on a tour of the UT Energy Institute data center.

From Construction to Community Wealth: Insights for Planners and Economic Developers from RootedHomes

At the 2026 EDD Wealth Creation Summit in Bend, Oregon, hosted in partnership with Rural Development Initiatives (RDI) and Regards to Rural, participants engaged in mobile workshops highlighting place-based wealth creation strategies. One workshop featured RootedHomes, a community land trust (CLT) operating in Central Oregon, that offered a compelling example of how housing can function as a regional wealth building strategy aligned with the wealth creation framework.