Economic Development Now

IEDC is urging members to reach out to their elected representatives about supporting the reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration (EDA).

Reauthorizing EDA would bring new funding potential, new programming, and key policy changes that would allow the agency to truly become a 21st-century leader in economic development. The past few years have demonstrated the great need for a more robust federal partner in local economic development nationwide. EDA has committed extraordinary resources and programming to meet this need, but more is needed that can only be achieved through reauthorization.

When contacting your senator and congressperson, be prepared to share your ZIP code and indicate if you need a response (not necessary for this outreach to be effective). We recommend using the language below.

To senator: “As a constituent and economic development professional serving my community, I urge you to call for and support immediate action from the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works regarding the reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration.”

To congressperson: “As a constituent and economic development professional serving my community, I urge you to call for and support immediate action from the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure regarding the reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration.”

EDA has been a proven and reliable leader in economic development since its creation in 1965 but has not been reauthorized in nearly 20 years. Over the past several months, IEDC has been working with EDA and a coalition of supporting organizations to advance impactful legislation that will help the agency better serve our communities now and in the future. The voices of IEDC members are essential to this effort. Please reach out to your elected officials and urge them to support EDA reauthorization.