In over 30 states, RDOs collaborate with their state departments of transportation to conduct outreach to local governments about transportation priorities and to assist with statewide and rural planning. Many RDOs also serve as metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) that complete short- and long-range plans in urbanized areas.
RDOs may also assist with broadband planning, seeking funding, and deployment; rural water and wastewater issues; and energy, such as helping local partners to plan and implement renewable energy projects.
USDA funding can help your region strengthen its profile for biofuel and biomanufacturing development.
Through the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG), communities and economic development organizations can access funding to help offset the cost of a BDO Zone Rating.
The annual Impact Awards program honors NADO members for their creative approaches to advancing regional economic development and improving quality of life.
On June 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a highly anticipated Policy Notice updating the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, giving states 90 days to comply.
Exploring CSU Spur: An Anchor Institution Hub for Innovation and Community Engagement May 7, 2025Melissa Levy During the 2025 Economic Development Conference for the EDA
The United States is experiencing rapid population aging, which is reshaping regional labor markets, healthcare demands, consumer spending patterns, housing needs, and public services. Economic Development Districts (EDDs) can play a critical role in addressing these challenges and enabling older adults to age in place. This report explores the various regional impacts of population aging, as well as the roles that EDDs can and have filled to ensure people and economies are able to thrive.
Beginning in late 2017, the NADO Research Foundation and project partners Small Urban, Rural, and Tribal Center on Mobility (a consortium led by the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University) and the National Rural Transit Assistance Program conducted technical assistance related to rural transportation and rural development with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. USDA is an equal opportunity provider.
Questions? Contact Carrie Kissel.