In late 2019, the City of Eagle Pass, Texas, established its first Economic Development Department. After serving the County of El Paso, Texas, for several years, I was recruited to lead this new initiative. The hope? To leverage Eagle Pass’s low cost of living, international trade, and available workforce to create a more robust economy with an emphasis on small businesses.
Read MoreEnergy affordability is one of the most important yet often overlooked factors in economic development. When energy costs are high, they act as a hidden tax on households, businesses, and entire communities. In rural America, where incomes are lower and infrastructure challenges are greater, the impact of high energy costs is even more severe. These costs create barriers to competitiveness, limit disposable income, and make it harder for communities to attract and retain employers. Addressing rural energy affordability is therefore not just a utility issue, it is a cornerstone of rural economic development strategy.
Read MoreIEDC's Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) program recognizes organizational excellence in the areas of internal and external operations, structures, and procedures. This series profiles recently accredited AEDOs, putting some of economic development's highest-performing organizations in the spotlight.
In this edition, we hear from Lauren Miceli, Director of Marketing & Communications at Pasco EDC of North Tampa Bay, FL.
Read MoreAt IEDC’s Rural Retreat, more than 400 rural economic development leaders came together in Great Falls, MT, to learn from one another, lift up the profession, and be immersed directly in the Great Falls region through half-day and full-day experiences, where learning happened on the ground, in community. This was unlike any other IEDC conference, and it raised several important ideas and throughlines.
We're at a turning point that will transform how economic development is approached. Artificial intelligence (AI) isn't just another new tool. It's a game-changer every economic developer needs to understand and use effectively. Why AI Matters for Economic Developers Most local governments are just beginning to use AI. In late 2023, only about 2% of local governments were actively using AI in service delivery, though over two-thirds were exploring its potential. But things are changing fast. By mid-2024, a survey found nearly 48% of state and local agencies were using some form of AI tools daily, reflecting a rapid uptick in implementation as tools become more accessible . This means communities that start using AI now will have big ...
Read MoreThis article is the 27th in the Leadership Insights series, which features wisdom from economic development leaders who have experienced the real-life peaks and valleys of our profession. Featured individuals have been recognized by IEDC for outstanding service to the profession and their communities. Leadership Insights is a companion series to ED Now’s ongoing Leadership in Economic Development series.
Read MoreState energy offices (SEOs) play a vital role in fostering local energy entrepreneurship and innovation through targeted programs and policies. It's important for SEOs to understand the current local energy ecosystem—including existing businesses, workforce capabilities, research institutions, funding sources, community partnerships, and market dynamics—to enable this cohesion to thrive.
Read MoreAaron N. Gruen of Gruen Gruen + Associates shares his 2025 Economic and Real Estate Outlook with ED Now.
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