Every day, regional development organizations (RDOs) are working to improve the lives of residents in communities across the country. Known locally as councils of governments, regional planning commissions, economic development districts, and other names, RDOs provide various types of support to their member communities in a host of service areas. RDOs can open the door to grant and loan funding, provide administrative support, and supply valuable staff support and access to technology. For rural places in particular, they can play a critical role in towns that may have limited capacity and resources.
This webinar provided an overview of RDOs and shares case studies of RDOs in action across the country supporting their region’s water systems. This work is often times behind the scenes and out of the limelight and includes facilitating access to funding, data collection and mapping, supporting regionalization, and promoting broader general economic development. The case studies featured are projects from small communities in New Mexico and Georgia that are supporting low-income communities, enhancing quality of life, and improving public health for local residents.
Presenters:
- Priscilla Lucero, Executive Director, Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments (Silver City, NM)
- Jarrod McCarthy, Mobility Manager/Community Developer, River Valley Regional Commission (Americus, GA)
- Brett Schwartz, Associate Director, NADO Research Foundation (Washington, DC)
PDF Presentation slides: (Schwartz/Lucero) / (McCarthy – Part 1 / Part 2)
The NADO Research Foundation is a partner organization in the Smart Management for Small Water Systems project, a collaborative effort between the members of the Environmental Finance Center Network, the NADO Research Foundation, and the Government Finance Officers Association.
This project is made possible through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The information presented above does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of US EPA or the partnering organizations.