No one ever said doing regional economic development was easy. Whether navigating complex partnerships, aligning diverse community needs, or securing the right resources, EDD staff routinely face a wide range of challenges in their efforts to drive meaningful change. While there’s no single roadmap for success, one of the best ways to chart a path forward is by learning from peers who’ve tackled similar hurdles.

This resource shares ten pieces of advice from Economic Development District staff whose 2025 NADO Impact Award-winning projects show how vision, planning, and collaboration can lead to meaningful results. These insights offer practical guidance for moving initiatives from concept to completion, reflecting the creativity, determination, and problem-solving needed to advance economic and community development. Whether you’re starting a new effort or working to complete an existing one, these lessons provide real-world encouragement from those who’ve successfully navigated the path.