IEDC is excited to announce its new partnership with the Moving the Needle podcast hosted by Christopher Gergen and Johnathan Holifield. The weekly episodes feature visionary leaders who are driving innovative, actionable initiatives to advance inclusive prosperity in communities across the U.S.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC)’s Board of Directors has selected seven new economic development leaders to serve on the organization's 2025 Board of Directors for a two-year term. The board has also selected the leadership positions for the coming year. The process took place at the annual board meeting on September 15 during IEDC's Annual Conference in Denver. All board and officer terms begin on January 1, 2025.

On behalf of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the thousands of economic development organizations and professionals we serve, I would like to thank the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Leadership, Chairman Jack Reed (D-RI) and Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS), EPW Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for their support of S.Admt. 3103's inclusion in the manager's amendment to the Senate-passed National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). IEDC commends this bipartisan effort taken to ensure EDA reauthorization remains on the table for consideration in the 118th Congress. Moreover, IEDC welcomes an opportunity to serve as a resource to the NDAA conference and full Senate and House as a final vote on NDAA FY25 commences. 

On September 19, 2024, Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Chairman Jack Reed (D-RI) and Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS) filed a "manager's package" (S.Amdt.3290) of 93 amendments, including S.Amdt.3103 to reauthorize the Economic Development Administration (EDA), to the SASC-passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) filed S.Amdt.3103 to the Reed-Wicker manager's package on behalf of himself and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) as a means to pass the EDA Reauthorization Act (S.3891) into law during the 118th Congress. 

IEDC's thoughts and prayers are with communities across the Southeast region of the United States impacted by Hurricane Helene. We stand committed to supporting our members who are on the frontlines of disaster recovery efforts, and commend the Administration for their leadership on expediting Federal assistance and support. Our organization is working with Federal agencies and Congress to ensure that vital resources are provided to the economic development community for rebuilding businesses, schools, hospitals, critical infrastructure and addresses the entire needs of communities devastated by this storm. 

The Women in Economic Development session at IEDC’s Annual Conference stood out as a powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and leadership of women in the field. Expertly moderated by Julie Curtin, president of economic development for Development Counsellors International (DCI) and IEDC board member, the panel created an intimate and supportive atmosphere where speakers and attendees alike shared their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. 

Attending IEDC’s Annual Conference in Denver was an enriching and eye-opening experience, especially from the perspective of someone deeply invested in rural community sustainability. As an IEDC member and ERC fellow, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a gathering that fostered innovation, collaboration, and learning, all while building connections that will continue to shape my journey as a professional in economic development. 

The Overcoming Barriers to Increase Generational Wealth session at IEDC’s Annual Conference explored innovative approaches to addressing long-standing issues in Black intergenerational wealth transfer and homeownership.