With broad institutional knowledge, strong partners, networks, and staff expertise, RDOs are well-positioned to support numerous regional development initiatives. Many coordinate regional planning efforts that strengthen local communities and improve quality of life by leveraging local assets and opportunities. Most RDOs are also federally designated Economic Development Districts that write and maintain the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
The CEDS is a locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process and document that identifies regional strengths and weaknesses. It also brings together a diverse set of partners to generate good jobs, diversify the economy, and spur economic growth.
Through a variety of planning efforts, RDOs also promote economic and climate resilience to better prepare regions to anticipate, withstand, and bounce back from shock, disruption, or stress. These shocks can include natural disasters, hazards, and the impacts of a changing climate. Economic disruptions such as the closure of a region’s large employer, the decline of an important industry, changes in the workforce, and population fluctuations are also possible. Finally, RDOs work to better incorporate equity and economic inclusion principles into their plans, programs, and outreach efforts to ensure that all residents have an opportunity to help shape their community’s future.
Military installations are crucial economic drivers in local economies across the country. No matter the service, location, or scale, military installations have an impact on the surrounding cities, counties, and regions that support them.
Economic Development Districts Embark on Food System Development in the Dakotas and Minnesota On August 15-17, 2023, Economic Development Districts, tribes, and others gathered in
The annual Impact Awards program honors NADO members for their creative approaches to advancing regional economic development and improving quality of life.
At the Nexus of Climate Resilience and Military Readiness, EDDs are the Regional Voice. In July 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) hosted its’
This case study highlights how the Southeastern Illinois RPDC collaborated with federal, state, and local partners to develop and implement wildfire protection plans for two rural counties home to the Shawnee National Forest
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.
Regional Partnerships Powering Economic Resilience in Coal Country On June 7-9, 2023, 18 local and regional leaders from coal communities across the nation convened in
Tips from a Planner: Implementing the Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework The Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework (IRPF) was developed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Hazard Mitigation & CEDS Integration Tip Sheet With the recent updates to the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) CEDS Content Guidelines and FEMA State and
This case study highlights how the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) incorporated equity and inclusion into its most recent CEDS process by partnering with a trusted local community based organization to support with engagement initiatives
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
As part of its EDA-funded EDD Community of Practice (EDD CoP), the NADO Research Foundation has created an interactive EDD map that provides information about each EDD’s service area, website, contact information, and EDA regional officeÂ
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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.