PHOENIX, AZ – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), in partnership with Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) and Prosperity Strategies, proudly announces the launch of the Arizona Sustainable Economic Development Learning Lab, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help Arizona’s economic development professionals integrate sustainable practices into their work and planning.
The program officially launched with an inaugural cohort of 34 participants at the Flinn Foundation’s conference center in Phoenix. The Flinn Foundation is a key supporter of the program, which brings together economic developers from across the state to address the challenges and opportunities presented by future climate conditions through an economic lens.
The Learning Lab is built to empower Arizona’s community leaders to create innovative, locally driven solutions and catalyze sustainable investment—ultimately fostering long-term economic resiliency across the state.
“The Arizona Sustainable ED Learning Lab reflects IEDC’s commitment to supporting local leaders in driving economic prosperity,” said Nathan Ohle, President & CEO of IEDC. “Arizona’s strength and resilience relies on community and economic developers’ ability to adapt and lead—and this program gives local leaders the tools they need to make that happen.”
Participants will engage in expert-led modules—offered both in-person and virtually—focused on:
- Developing core principles of sustainable economic development
- Communicating sustainability strategies effectively to stakeholders
- Building workforce strategies for a future-ready economy
- Identifying and leveraging funding for sustainable initiatives
Program highlights include:
- Hands-on learning through real-world Capstone Projects
- Exclusive insights from top sustainability and economic development experts
- Dynamic instruction delivered via a hybrid (in-person and virtual) model
- Networking opportunities with sustainability-minded economic developers
- Collaborative problem solving within and across organizations
“The Arizona Sustainable Economic Development Learning Lab is a powerful example of Arizona’s collaborative spirit in action,” said Tammy McLeod, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Flinn Foundation. “It’s a privilege to partner with the Arizona Community Foundation to bring forward innovative programs that strengthen our business community. I’m inspired by this first cohort and the long-term impact they will make in shaping a more resilient, prosperous future for Arizona.”
Additional Funding partners for the Learning Lab include:
Arizona Community Foundation, Arizona Governor’s Office of Resiliency, Arizona Public Service, Choose Flagstaff, City of Flagstaff, City of Phoenix Community & Economic Development, City of Tucson Economic Initiatives, Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Local First Arizona Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Arizona, Prescott College, Salt River Project, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, Vitalyst Health Foundation, and others.
For more information or to inquire about participating in or hosting future cohorts, please contact: Delaney Luna – [email protected]