The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) is a leading voice in Washington, DC, advocating for federal programs and policies that promote regional community development and economic competitiveness.
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.
This case study demonstrates how University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service (UADA Extension) partners with all eight EDA-designated Economic Development Districts in Arkansas to strengthen regional capacity, with a focus on its long-standing collaboration with the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District (WAPDD). It highlights how coordinated efforts in training, data sharing, and community facilitation have evolved into a scalable, locally rooted model for university–EDD partnerships.
In 2023, Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments (UCPCOG) in eastern North Carolina received funding to hire a dedicated staff member to establish a Community Forestry Program. The new position allowed UCPCOG to expand its regional service offerings and respond to growing member interest in urban and community forestry as a tool to support livability, resilience, and local capacity building, particularly in economically distressed communities with limited staff and resources.
The discussion focuses on how regional planning expertise can support partners seeking to translate childcare challenges into actionable economic evidence.
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 webinar explores how Economic Development Districts (EDDs) are tackling the social determinants of health to build stronger, more resilient communities.
July 21-23, 2026
Atlanta, GA
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