IEDC’s Clearinghouse information and research services (CIRS) is for IEDC members who have an economic development question that they need assistance answering. This can be best practice questions, background information for starting a new project, or ideas on how to accomplish a goal. Our researchers use our repository of information on the latest trends, best practices, case studies, and ongoing debates on economic development issues affecting communities across the United States and abroad to answer your question. CIRS is like having a research librarian, trained in economic development, at your fingertips. With an extensive library of information, the answer to your question is only a click away.

Communities agree that supporting local businesses is crucial to local and regional economic vitality. The means to that end can be hotly contested though - how policies are enacted and implemented, who benefits from the policies, what types of resources are used, and others. As the practice of economic development has evolved and become more nuanced – more scientific, data driven, results-oriented, specialized and broader – it has also come under increased scrutiny from stakeholders including elected officials, media, academia, and even some special interest groups.

The Championing Economic Development paper examines the reasons for skepticism and provides recommendations for economic development professionals on how to address these issues both internally and externally. The accompanying handy, easy-to-use toolkit is a one-stop resource for economic developers to champion their efforts and educate all stakeholders on the work they do, why they do it, and how they do it.

Several new tools will continue to be added to the toolkit over the next several months. So be sure to check back often.