In a rapidly changing economic landscape, Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and other Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) are being called on not just to deliver results, but to clearly demonstrate their value to the communities they serve. That’s why this year’s Afternoon with the Districts, held immediately following the 2026 NADO & DDAA Washington Conference as part of NADO’s Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), offered an opportunity for EDD leaders to step back, reflect, and strengthen their storytelling techniques and approaches. Nearly 50 participants gathered to explore new ways to communicate impact, share successes, and elevate the essential role EDDs play nationwide.
Strategic Storytelling for Influence and Engagement
Following a “Rose-Bud-Thorn” networking exercise to get the crowd moving and updates from staff at the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Georgetown University professor John D. Trybus, Ph.D delivered the event keynote, entitled “Strategic Storytelling for Influence and Engagement.” Professor Trybus currently leads and manages Georgetown University’s Center for Social Impact Communication, but identifies as a “story-scientist” and previously gained recognition for serving as personal advisor to United Nations Messenger of Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall.
Dr. Trybus shared that “stories are the currency of human life because they help us to create and share meaning together.” The importance of stories stems from the theory that humans are natural storytellers with people using them in approximately 65% of their interactions. He noted that we can engage with stories in different roles, including as storytellers, story-listeners, and story-conveners. Stories can be powerful because of their unique ability to describe a series of events while simultaneously conveying greater meaning, but only if we tell them the right way. Professor Trybus discussed how good stories are created and shared, breaking down different story types, like visionary stories, and offering a story framework that includes six essential building blocks. These include character, trajectory, authenticity, action-oriented emotions, a hook, and the storyteller themselves.
Finally, Dr. Trybus encouraged the group not only to practice good storytelling but also to become attentive story listeners. In a professional setting, this means showing genuine interest in the stories of a person or community to build connection and shared understanding. Listening should go beyond simply hearing what a person says. We should strive to be relational listeners who aim to understand the emotions and meaning behind a story or message.
Economic development practitioners know the importance of community engagement and collaboration; that much isn’t new. Professor Trybus’ keynote added to the conversation by expanding a tool for collaborating with community members and sharing information. In the next session, attendees saw examples of storytelling from the field, hearing how different methods like in-person convenings, videos, and interactive web platforms can utilize the skills Dr. Trybus described.
Peer Presentations: EDD Communication & Outreach Strategies
Moderated by NADO Research and Writing Fellow London Weier, the panel featured Scott Warner, Executive Director of the Mid-Shore Regional Council (MSRC) in Easton, Maryland; Eric Wright, Director of Planning and Development at the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (EARPDC) in Anniston, Alabama; and a recorded presentation from Jen Gregory, Executive Director of the Southern Tier 8 Regional Board in Binghamton, New York.
The session began with a video produced by NADO and the National Association of Regional Councils through the EDD CoP emphasizing MSRC’s work supporting economic growth across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The video offered attendees an inside look at the district and the alliances that power its work. Following this, Warner delved into the success he has had with collaboration at MSRC by working closely with county governments, businesses, elected officials, minority representatives, and resource-based industries to bring hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in investment to the region. Warner emphasized the role of data-driven storytelling, highlighting the Delmarva Index, a GIS tool developed with several regional partners that helps leaders visualize the broader impact of targeted investments and strengthens grant applications. He also discussed the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, a nonprofit initiative developed by the MSRC that provides entrepreneurs and small businesses with access to capital and technical support. Finally, Warner shared how MSRC communicates its Return on Investment and CEDS projects through a short 2-pager (examples here and here) that is shared with its board, elected officials, funders, and the public.
Wright’s presentation featured how his work at EARPDC has centered on relationship building with local leaders, particularly during a period of political transition across Alabama. A recent change in state law aligned most mayoral elections to November 2025, resulting in 25 newly elected mayors across EARPDC’s 10-county, 54-municipality region, many who were unfamiliar with the planning commission or the CEDS process. To maintain momentum on regional projects, Wright and his team launched a proactive outreach strategy, identifying incoming officials early and conducting one-on-one, in-person visits with newly elected mayors to better understand local priorities before connecting mayors with relevant EARPDC resources. These early meetings helped establish trust and made later requests easier.
To further support engagement, the commission introduced more accessible communication tools, including an interactive CEDS dashboard and a digital Story Map version of its annual report. Wright also highlighted the Partners in Progress convenings, which connected new mayors with state and federal partners, funding opportunities, and peers at the start of their terms, reinforcing EARPDC’s role as a hub for regional collaboration. Early results were strong: 18 of the 25 new mayors participated, and eight grant funded projects entered the pipeline. Wright emphasized that anticipating leadership changes, building relationships early, and simplifying complex planning tools are key to sustaining momentum during times of change.
Jen Gregory’s recorded presentation showcased SO-Tier.com, an interactive website developed by Southern Tier 8. The site, a 2025 NADO Impact Award recipient, uses GIS mapping and data visualization to highlight public investments, community assets, and business opportunities across the Southern Tier region of New York. Gregory illustrated how the platform brings together information on regional industries, workforce development, Opportunity Zones, and quality-of-life assets across eight counties and nearly 580,000 residents. By translating complex data into an engaging, easy to understand format, SO-Tier.com helps businesses and policymakers better understand the region’s economic potential.
The day wrapped up with small group discussions that gave participants space to reflect on what they learned, ask questions, and identify concrete next steps they plan to bring back to their regions. These conversations underscored the value of shared learning and the collective commitment to elevating the work of EDDs nationwide. We’re excited to carry this momentum into next year, when we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Afternoon with the Districts. See you there!
Thanks to NADO Fellows London Weier & Ethan Simon for their contributions to this event recap and Matthew Leder for the photographs.
This event was offered through the Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), 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 participants and trainers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
