The capacity of RDOs is critical to addressing the needs of their region and to creating a foundation for sustainable economic development. However, RDOs are complex organizations, and it takes skill, capacity, and leadership to run them effectively. There is an identified need to build professional capacities, strengthen RDOs, and assist executive directors and senior staff when developing leadership skills.
Here you will find resources for maximizing your organization’s potential—operationally and strategically. These resources are designed to assist RDOs by sharing experiences and best practices, learning from others’ challenges and obstacles, and gaining insights into innovative approaches from peers and others across the country.
Have materials or examples you’d like to share? Email Ciara Ristig at [email protected] with any additional resources from your region or state. New resources will be added over time.
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 webinar, co-hosted by the Economic Development District Community of Practice and the Revolving Loan Fund Community of Practice, discusses practical considerations for RLF operators looking to integrate AI tools into their workflows.
This case study explores the role of the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission (NWGRC) in creating much-needed workforce housing in the city of Dalton, Georgia.
This webinar features a highly engaging conversation about affordable housing cooperatives, how they work, and how they can be adapted to meet communities needs.
The annual Impact Awards program honors NADO members for their creative approaches to advancing regional economic development and improving quality of life.
Underutilized assets are regional resources that haven’t been fully tapped or activated for economic benefit. This case study highlights how the Mid-Shore Regional Council, through its nonprofit Shore Gourmet, identified gaps in the regional food system and responded with creative, targeted solutions to strengthen the region’s economy.
Connecting Economic Development Districts & Higher Education Institutions: University of Tennessee and Upper Cumberland Development District Case Study The University of Tennessee’s Center for Industrial
Creating Thriving Regions through Arts and Culture: Tips and Considerations for EDDs Arts and culture have historically connected people with one another and to the
Connecting Economic Development Districts & Higher Education Institutions: University of Oregon and Northeast Oregon Economic Development District Case Study This case study examines the long-standing
As part of the EDD Community of Practice, the NADO Research Foundation hosted UERPC Executive Director Rachelle Howe on a webinar to share actionable strategies to implement wellness initiatives and build healthier, more supportive workplaces for staff at EDDs nationwide.
The United States is experiencing rapid population aging, which is reshaping regional labor markets, healthcare demands, consumer spending patterns, housing needs, and public services. Economic Development Districts (EDDs) can play a critical role in addressing these challenges and enabling older adults to age in place. This report explores the various regional impacts of population aging, as well as the roles that EDDs can and have filled to ensure people and economies are able to thrive.
To assist RDOs in the transition to the revised rules, NADO is sponsoring a four-part webinar series that will provide detailed coverage of key aspects of the new policies. The series will be presented by Bob Lloyd, who has conducted dozens of NADO sponsored training programs and has provided extensive technical support on the numerous comments that NADO has submitted to OMB urging policy features that recognize the unique role that RDO’s play in many federal grant programs.