2020 shone a harsh light on systemic racism and its blight on the American dream. The United States is presently engaged in the greatest reckoning over racism it has seen in generations. Individuals and groups of all kinds — communities, businesses, governments, faith organizations, nonprofits, and many others — are searching assumptions, roles, and behaviors by which they may have contributed to unequal outcomes for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. 

Economic development professionals play a critical role in addressing the challenges presented by the ever-increasing inequities, racial prejudices, and alarming disparities in our society. IEDC prioritizes the role economic developers can play to eliminate structural racism in our economy and support opportunities to increase wealth in communities of color. We at the International Economic Development Council are committed to dismantling systemic and institutionalized racism that has existed for generations. We are dedicated to reflecting and advancing these values both within our organization and our contributions to the profession.

Equitable Economic Development Playbook Initiative 

IEDC’s Equitable Economic Development Playbook Initiative is IEDC’s flagship Race, Equity, and Economic Development program. With this project we respond to a call to action to:

• Identify and address economic development practices that contribute to systemic racism.
• Develop a guide for incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
• Implement practices among economic development organizations across the country.

First, IEDC will undertake a full, nationwide assessment of the profession across all areas of practice. The project will examine how economic development practices can have inequitable outcomes and how these can be changed to improve economic outcomes for all people and communities. This information will be disseminated via A Playbook for Equitable Economic Development: Guidance on identifying structural racism and implementing equitable practices (the Playbook). Concurrently with the release of Playbook chapters, IEDC will distribute the content of the Playbook through bimonthly webinars, articles, conference sessions, and other platforms. 

Third, IEDC will engage leaders in individual communities to create and implement locally tailored strategies, or Equity Action Plans, using the Playbook. Technical assistance and facilitation will occur on-site or virtually and include multiple “touch points'' over the span of the project. Additionally, the communities would engage in peer activities, coming together for convenings and virtual gatherings to share their experiences and best practices. At the end of the project, the Playbook will be updated with lessons learned from implementation and enhanced best practices.

DOWNLOAD THE PLAYBOOK

IEDC’s Equitable Economic Development Playbook has been made possible with support from: