Organizational Capacity & Professional Development

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.

Resources

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Organization Category

From Pass-Through to Destination: Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission and the Saline County Visitor Center ​

This case study highlights how the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission (PTRPC) in Missouri facilitated the transformation of Marshall Junction from an underutilized interchange into a growing economic gateway for the region through strategic planning, grant writing, partnership development, funding coordination, and project management.

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September 28, 2026 No Comments

EDDs in Action:  Region 4 & Region VII Planning District Commissions (West Virginia)  

Two of West Virginia’s Economic Development Districts, Region 4 Planning and Development Council and Region VII Planning and Development Council are featured in this edition of EDDs in Action. In this video, you’ll see how these EDDs are partnering with local communities and organizations to advance water infrastructure, industrial development, and tourism initiatives.

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September 14, 2026 No Comments

[Webinar]: Building Partnerships to Support Regional Economic Growth

Over the past four years, New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN) has managed the Economic Partnership Alliance, training 141 organizations and supporting 24 cross-sector partnerships across the country. Insights from this initiative, funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), have been distilled into the Economic Alliance Playbook, which were shared on this webinar hosted by the NADO Research Foundation as part of the EDD Community of Practice.

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August 19, 2026 No Comments

EDDs in Action: Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission

This installment of the EDDs in Action video series showcases the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC), an Economic Development District (EDD) serving five counties in Virginia.  In this video, you’ll see how CSPDC works alongside local partners and businesses to strengthen communities and expand economic opportunity through investments in site readiness, workforce training, business development, and placemaking.

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August 18, 2026 No Comments

2026 Impact Award Recipients

The annual Impact Awards program honors NADO members for their creative approaches to advancing regional economic development and improving quality of life.

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July 14, 2026 No Comments

Video: A Career in Regional Economic Development

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.

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May 26, 2026 No Comments

AI and RLFs Webinar Recording

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.

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October 7, 2025 No Comments

2025 Impact Award Recipients

The annual Impact Awards program honors NADO members for their creative approaches to advancing regional economic development and improving quality of life.

Read More »
July 1, 2025 No Comments

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