HOW TO USE THIS TOOLKIT
This toolkit is for NADO members, RDOs and supporters of RDOs like you. The information provided in this toolkit prepares you to effectively meet with your elected representatives and regulatory officials to advocate and lobby for their support of your cause at the federal level. Included in the toolkit are resources for presenting testimony at federal hearings, as well as advocacy strategies for communicating via social media, email, phone calls, planned advocacy days and in-person events.
The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) is a 501c4 membership association that represents a national network of more than 500 Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) across the country. Established in 1967, NADO advocates in favor of federal policies and programs that promote equitable community development, economic competitiveness, rural development, economic mobility, and quality of place.
NADO members, or RDOs, are multi-jurisdictional, quasi-governmental organizations that provide regional planning and local community and economic development services. RDOs are also sometimes known as “Councils of Government” (COGs), Planning and Development Districts (PDDs), Regional Planning Councils (RPCs), Area Development Districts (ADDs), “Local Development Districts” (LDDs), and others.
These organizations collectively assist thousands of cities and counties with community development, economic development, workforce training, transportation planning, public infrastructure, affordable housing, disaster prevention, rural capacity-building, public health, regional planning, and the provision of other community services.
Many of these organizations also serve as federally-designated Economic Development Districts (EDDs), a designation given by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Some RDOs also have federal designations given by other federal agencies, including designation by the U.S. Department of Transportation as Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) or as Regional/Rural Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) that play important roles in regional transportation planning.
Although the work portfolio that an RDO conducts varies from one organization to another, in general, all RDOs facilitate a variety of community services and initiatives designed to bolster economic competitiveness and quality of life.