Since the 1960’s, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the national network of EDA-designated Economic Development Districts (EDDs) have closely collaborated to support regional economic development efforts across the country. As this partnership moves through its fifth decade and EDDs continue to support regional resilience and recovery, there has never been a better time to reflect on the impact EDDs make in local communities every day. During this session at the 2023 NADO Washington Conference, attendees heard from EDA staff about current state of the EDD network, the latest updates on CEDS guidelines, and how EDDs can effectively engage with an array of federal partners and programs. The session also included best practices and lessons learned from two EDD executive directors as well as more information about the newly-formed Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP).
Presentation Slides (PDF)
Brett Schwartz, Associate Director, NADO Research Foundation (moderator)
David Ives, Deputy Director, Performance, Research, and National Technical Assistance Division, U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration
Nancy Gilbert, Economic Development Integrator, U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration
Michelle Jordan, Executive Director, Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments
Bonnie Prigge, Executive Director, Meramec Regional Planning Commission
(Complete slide deck available here)
This session was delivered as part of the EDD CoP, made possible through an award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce (ED22HDQ3070106). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the participants, trainers, and authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
