The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest nonprofit professional association for economic development professionals in the world, takes immense pride in announcing the exceptional eight individuals honored with these prestigious 2023 Honorary and Leadership Awards. This recognition not only celebrates their remarkable contributions but also acknowledges their unwavering dedication to driving community and economic development. Recipients will be acknowledged during the Recognition Night event being held at the 2023 IEDC Annual Conference, in Dallas, TX, September 17-20. 

Washington, DC – Funded by the CARES Act from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) alongside its partners is excited to announce that fellowship applications are now open for the Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) program. Launched in May 2023 to accelerate recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in distressed areas, the inaugural ERC Fellowship program connects host organizations with early- to mid-career professionals (fellows) from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to build stronger, more resilient, and equitable economies. 

Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $30 million in CARES Act funding to support a coalition of organizations to establish and operate a nationwide Economic Recovery Corps program. This new initiative has the potential to shift the practice of economic development nationwide in an unprecedented manner — by centering the concerns of under-resourced regions while simultaneously investing in a cohort of diverse practitioners and leaders equipped with the skills necessary to usher in a new era of economic prosperity that is equitable, sustainable, and inclusive. The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and its partners are seeking to place up to 65 Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellows within partnering organizations to activate economic development projects or plans that generate new practices and paradigms for equitable and inclusive change.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) received a $3 million grant for four years (December 2, 2022 – December 2, 2026) from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to expand IEDC’s work in entrepreneurship-led economic development. Historically, the connection between economic developers and entrepreneurship ecosystem builders has not been as strong as required to ensure small businesses and entrepreneurship flourish.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has announced that the week of May 8 to May 12 will serve as this year’s Economic Development Week.   

Washington, DC – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) welcomes Dr. Dell Gines, CEcD, a nationally renowned thought leader in economic development and entrepreneurship ecosystem building, as the Vice President of Partnerships, Advisory Services, and Thought Leadership.  

Washington, DC – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announced the release of the organization’s latest Economic Development Research Partners (EDRP) report titled “Growing Your Workforce: Strategies to Raise Local Labor Force Participation.” The report highlights and explores the topic of labor force participation: how it is defined and measured, historical trends, its uses, and analyses of data sources and limitations. 

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Appropriations Chair Patrick Leahy and U.S. House of Representatives Chair Rosa DeLauro released the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which is expected to be passed by the Senate and House and signed by the President before the end of the week. The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is pleased to share that the legislation includes $1.12 billion for community economic development through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), a $724.5 million increase above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.