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.
The annual Impact Awards program honors NADO members for their creative approaches to advancing regional economic development and improving quality of life.
Tips from a Loan Officer for a High Value Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) An effective Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) can be an impactful and valuable
During this webinar, EDD staff and federal partners discuss opportunities and best practice to integrate CEDS and hazard mitigation plans in an effort to make regions more resilient and responsive to hazardous events.
This webinar briefing provides an update on the status of the national network of Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and information about the updated CEDS Content Guidelines featuring equity, climate resilience, and workforce development
The Elevating Equity in Economic Development resource is presented as an online interactive toolkit and a downloadable pdf guide.
The NADO Research Foundation (NADO RF) is currently seeking applicants from the NADO East, Midwest, and Associate chapters to serve on the NADO RF Advisory
This case study highlights how the East Texas Council of Governments demonstrates its value to local communities by designing annual Regional Solutions Reports for all the 14 counties it serves as well as a region-wide report highlighting impact and services provided
The NADO Research Foundation and EDA Seattle Regional Office hosted an EDD Regional Roundtable that brought together EDD and EDA Seattle staff for training, networking, and sharing opportunities and challenges facing EDDs across the EDA Seattle region
The NADO Research Foundation hosted “An Afternoon with the Districts” in March 2023 as part of its Economic Development District Community of Practice. Â This event brought together nearly 70 participants for an afternoon of networking and training
During this session at the 2023 NADO Washington Conference, EDA and EDD staff reflected on opportunities for collaboration, discussed the latest updates on CEDS guidelines, and shared how EDDs can effectively engage with an array of federal partners and programs
This case study features how the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Commission collaborated with a range of partners to restore Muskegon’s Veterans Memorial Park to its former glory as a community amenity and destination
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
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Joe McKinney serves as Executive Director of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO). Headquartered in Washington DC, NADO provides advocacy, education, research, and training for the nation’s 500+ regional planning and development organizations.
Joe has thirty-one years of experience having served in city, county, regional, national association, and government management since 1991. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a candidate for a master’s degree in Public Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill.
McKinney has provided congressional testimony on numerous occasions regarding the importance of regional development organizations in helping shape the nation’s economic growth. He is nationally recognized for promoting innovative solutions in areas such as planning and economic development, workforce development, transportation and transit, and aging services.