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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

"If you're not using AI as your copilot, then you're behind," Smith said, highlighting how AI can level the playing field for smaller communities. This sentiment was echoed by John Snow, a partner at Emergent Method, who stressed that embracing AI is not just an opportunity but an imperative for EDOs to remain competitive. 

 The IEDC 2024 Annual Conference, hosted in Denver on September 15-18, brought together industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to “Champion Economic Development Superheroes”. Attendees heard from Jeni Arndt, Mayor of the City of Fort Collins, and Mike Johnston, Mayor of Denver. A highlight was the fireside chat between Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO, and Xochitl Torres Small, United States Deputy Secretary of Agriculture from Las Cruces, New Mexico. The conference covered a wide range of topics, including rural prosperity, AI, workforce, housing, climate change, marketing and storytelling, and entrepreneurship. 

IEDC has compiled Kamala Harris' and Donald Trump's positions on issues related to economic development. Please note that IEDC’s analysis in no way favors one candidate over the other. IEDC supports the electoral process and looks forward to working with the 47th President of the United States.