This resource provides tips and best practices drawn from the experiences of EDD staff who have managed fee-for-service or contract planning services in their member communities. While the EDDs featured operate in the Southeast, their lessons can apply broadly to districts across the country
A career with an EDD or RDO offers the chance to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the communities and regions you serve. In this video, you’ll hear from four experienced leaders in regional economic development as they reflect on their career paths, the impact of their work, and what it takes to succeed in the field.
This case study demonstrates how University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service (UADA Extension) partners with all eight EDA-designated Economic Development Districts in Arkansas to strengthen regional capacity, with a focus on its long-standing collaboration with the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District (WAPDD). It highlights how coordinated efforts in training, data sharing, and community facilitation have evolved into a scalable, locally rooted model for university–EDD partnerships.
This webinar showed how cluster strategies align business, workforce, and public investment, shared real examples from Economic Development District staff using cluster analysis, and outlined practical steps for regions to launch or strengthen their own cluster initiatives.
This resource page includes a variety of information on Opportunity Zones, including background information, updates on the designation process, mapping and data tools to support informed planning and decision making, and materials about local planning and implementation considerations.
As counties, towns, and cities across the country explore how to manage new demand for data centers, Economic Development Districts (EDDs) can serve as important partners in the decision‑making process.
This resource explores how AI tools can offer powerful opportunities for Economic Development Districts (EDDs) to improve efficiency and productivity.
Located along the Wasatch Front a little less than 40 miles north of Salt Lake City, Ogden is home to roughly 90,000 residents across 26 square miles. The city boasts a rich mix of historic, cultural, recreational, and natural assets. Learn more about NADO’s Mobile Workshop to Downtown Ogden during the Annual Training Conference.
This webinar series includes real-world examples, actionable tools, and fresh ideas for EDD staff and partners looking to spark economic growth, fill empty spaces, and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
This resource shares ten pieces of advice from Economic Development District staff whose 2025 NADO Impact Award-winning projects show how vision, planning, and collaboration can lead to meaningful results.