The Emerging Leaders program provides EDD staff members with the education and skills required to lead a high-performing EDD.  Cohort participants are offered a unique opportunity to learn about successful community and economic development approaches of other EDDs. The program is an opportunity to create a peer network that can add value to EDD activities long after the training program is finished.

The following FAQs might be helpful as you consider applying to participate in this competitive program.

Who is eligible to apply?

• The program is built for early to mid-career planners and program coordinators employed at an Economic Development District (EDD) who are interested in advancing their careers and may aspire to serve as an executive director of an EDD. However, any employee of an EDD is eligible to apply as long their responsibilities include creating and/or implementing the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and related program activities.

How will participants be selected?

• Participants will be selected through a competitive application process. NADO Research Foundation will form an advisory committee of EDD staff to help make final decisions.

Is there an application fee or other cost involved?

• There is no application fee. The NADO Research Foundation will cover airfare, hotel rooms, rental car as needed, and group meals. We are asking each participant’s organization to cover costs associated with travel to and from your local airport (including parking) and meals not provided to the group during a site visit.

How will trainings be delivered?

• The training program will feature in-person workshops and remote learning through webinars.
• Participants are expected to attend all site visits and conferences. Please do not apply for the program if you have obligations that will prevent you from participating.

What topics will be covered in the trainings?

• Trainings will focus on several aspects of economic development and leading an effective EDD. Topics may include how to identify and leverage your EDD’s competitive advantage in a regional ecosystem; how to create and implement a high-quality, high-impact CEDS; how to identify, design, and implement successful projects leveraging public-private partnerships (deal-making); and organizational development and leadership training. Trainings will be a combination of classroom-style learning and in-depth analysis of the EDA-funded projects serving as host sites for the trainings. Webinars will be planned throughout the year to follow-up on training material and potentially introduce other topics that can be addressed in a remote learning environment.

What is the total time commitment for participants?

• Factoring in travel time, participants should expect to commit between 160 – 200 hours. Site visits typically involve three to four days and often include visits with two EDDs per trip. Reading assignments are provided to participants prior to each site visit. Participants will also be asked to briefly present on their EDD/RDO at the kickoff event.

Will participants be recognized in any way for completing the training?

• Yes. Participants will receive Certificates of Completion, as well as a press release acknowledging completion of the course.