The Economic Development Administration increased its number of Economic Development Districts (EDD) to more than 390.
The first EDD was designated in 1969. They are locally run, multi-jurisdictional organizations that play a key role in regional planning initiatives and serve as crucial conduits between the federal government and local communities, according to an Oct. 12 news release.
“Economic Development Districts are vital partners in EDA’s efforts to build durable regional economies throughout the United States,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo said in the release.
The EED Community of Practice creates an opportunity to develop a more unified vision of regional development, which Castillo said is built around a formal network of shared learning and growth, the release reported.
The infrastructure required to strengthen EDD leaders, staff and board members’ knowledge base will result from the establishment of the Community of Practice, Joe McKinney, executive director of the National Association of Development Organizations, said, according to the release. It will help EDD leaders who manage programs intended to stimulate the economies of distressed areas across the nation build their economic development skills and expertise.
McKinney’s organization will work with three sub-awardees — the National Association of Regional Councils, the First Nations Development Institute and the University Economic Development Association, the release reported. They will create five distinct program tracks to make tools, resources and networking opportunities available to the nation’s EDDs.
