IEDC is proud to introduce the new strategic plan—the most comprehensive and innovative of its kind in our organization’s history. The plan is a testament to an extensive and collaborative effort, gathering insights from more than 900 engaged stakeholders, members, and valued partners over the past year and a half. It sets the stage for an exciting and promising future, charting the organization's trajectory and impact on the field of economic development internationally.

As we enter the implementation phase, IEDC is committed to strengthening its existing pillars and embracing new avenues of growth. We aim to revolutionize economic development with a focus on three primary areas—Impact on the Individual and Organization, Impact on the Profession, and Impact on the Global Community. Guided by our principles, our dedication to our evolution will empower individuals and organizations to thrive, elevate the economic development profession, and foster collaboration and progress in communities around the globe.

Strategic Plan Presentation

New Vision

IEDC leads the future of economic development as an essential and valued profession that fosters prosperity throughout the world.

New Mission

Through bold leadership, collaborative partnerships, and innovative programs and solutions, IEDC will equip stakeholders to drive equitable and sustainable outcomes for the communities they serve. IEDC endeavors to be:

the best place to work;
the best place for economic developers to learn and connect; and
the premier professional association for economic development in the world.

Desired Future State

Stakeholders strongly indicated that organizational change was paramount for IEDC to realize our full potential as a professional association and to enhance our impact on the economic development profession. They envision a new future state in which IEDC:

Strategic Framework

IEDC’s strategy concentrates on three priorities with specific goals that help define our operational path over the course of the next five years:

Priority 1: Impact on the Individual and Organization

Provide first-class professional development opportunities.

Update and refresh learning programs, curriculum, and content.
Establish customized networking opportunities.
Provide opportunities for mentorship, engagement of new members, and development of young professionals.

Drive membership recruitment, retention, and engagement with a sustained and intentional strategy.

Deliver a compelling membership value proposition.
Update the membership renewal process and membership model.
Create greater accessibility to IEDC including through a focus on small, economically distressed, and international stakeholders.

Create a comprehensive slate of tools and resources for practitioners.

Build toolkits for economic development professionals.
Highlight career paths for economic development.

Priority 2: Impact on the Profession

Provide world-class learning opportunities and resources.

Create dynamic conferences and engagement opportunities.
Provide enhanced opportunities for students and young professionals.
Continue to elevate the quality of instructors and speakers.

Strengthen and formalize partnerships with thought leadership organizations.

Partner with other leading trade associations, state associations, foundations, universities, and think tanks.
Increase engagement with the private sector.

Generate visionary thought leadership and cutting-edge research.

Conduct original, actionable research and optimize its value and reach.
Highlight topics that are impacting communities around the world, particularly future-focused aspects of economic development.

Priority 3: Impact on the Global Community

Elevate global awareness around the significance and impact of economic development.

Focus on storytelling—spotlighting economic development value and impact.

Establish and advance a clear and compelling public policy agenda.

Involve and mobilize members and stakeholders to engage in economic development-related federal policy decision-making and discussions.
Advance federal policy that assists economic developers at the local level.
Create and participate in coalitions to accelerate economic development policy and advocacy.

Develop a meaningful and comprehensive international strategy built around partnerships.

Develop an intentional strategy for international engagement.
Tailor tools and resources to the needs of different regions of the world.
Understand and develop ways to provide more accessibility to IEDC for international stakeholders.

Guiding Principles

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

Prioritize customer service at all levels.
Showcase the voice of our members to improve our work.
Increase visibility and engagement through digital and social media.

Organizational Excellence

Create a team and culture that thrives on collaboration and high-quality work.
Modernize technologies and systems to improve member and stakeholder interface.
Update and modernize IEDC’s website and marketing materials.
Strengthen IEDC’s brand recognition and relevance.

IEDC's Strategic Plan

Transforming the Future of Economic Development