The NADO Research Foundation (NADO RF) is pleased to partner on the Economic Recovery Corps program led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), with funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). As the non-profit research affiliate of the National Association of Development Organizations, NADO RF provides training, technical assistance, and networking opportunities for staff at regional development organizations, including the national network of Economic Development Districts (EDDs).
EDDs are multi-jurisdictional planning and economic development agencies federally designated by EDA. There are around 400 EDDs across the country that encourage economic development planning and project implementation in distressed urban, suburban, and rural regions. EDDs can open the door for local communities to grant and loan funding opportunities, provide administrative and technical assistance, and offer access to data and technology resources. For rural places in particular, EDDs can supply valuable staff support in towns that may have limited capacity and resources due to part-time or volunteer staff.
EDDs are well-positioned to partner with and guide communities and regions during this important time of economic recovery and resilience. The Economic Recovery Corps program will place and train fellows at “boots on the ground” organizations like EDDs across the country, equipping them with resources and opportunities to build capacity at their host organizations. Fellows will assist EDDs in better serving local communities and provide access to resources and technical expertise, as well as work to strengthen partnerships across the region. In addition, knowledge and best practices developed through the program will be shared by the NADO Research Foundation across the entire national network of EDDs, ensuring that the benefits of this program will be felt far and wide.
The NADO Research Foundation and its partners are committed to local, place-based economic development and look forward to lifting up the Economic Recovery Corps program. The challenge ahead is big, but it is also a tremendous opportunity to reimagine the possibilities for how economic development can improve the lives of local residents and the communities they call home.
To learn more about this opportunity, we encourage you to visit the ERC program’s homepage and fill out the interest form to stay in touch.
