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.
July 14, 2026
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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.
This resource provides tips and best practices drawn from the experiences of EDD staff who have managed fee-for-service or contract planning services in their member communities. While the EDDs featured operate in the Southeast, their lessons can apply broadly to districts across the country
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.
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