National Economic Development Organizations

Association of University Research Parks 
AURP is a membership organization the mission of which is to: promote university research parks, technology incubators, and associated programs; facilitate the development, transfer, and commercialization of technology among its members, universities, industry, and government; enhance university teaching, research and service; strengthen industrial competitiveness; and achieve technology-based economic development within a restructuring global economy.

International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 
IEDC is the result of the 2001 merger of the American Economic Development Council, the largest and oldest economic development society, and the Council for Urban Economic Development, a multi-service membership organization and strong advocate of economic development since 1967. The IEDC continues the strong legacies of the former organizations by providing a variety of services, including advocacy, training and education, information and technical assistance, and networking.

National Association of Counties 
NACo was created in 1935 to provide a strong voice for county officials in the nation's capital. More than six decades later, NACo continues to ensure that the nation's 3066 counties are heard and understood in the White House and the halls of Congress. NACo's membership totals more than 1,800 counties, representing more than 75 percent of the nation's population.

National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) 
The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) provides advocacy, education, research and training for the nation's regional development organizations. Building on nearly four decades of experience, the association offers its members exclusive access to a variety of services and benefits -- all of which are designed to enhance the ability of regional development organizations to foster "regional solutions" to local government, business and community needs.

Association of Defense Communities 
The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) is the nation’s premier membership organization serving America’s defense communities. ADC represents 200 communities, states and regions with a significant military presence, and partner organizations.

University Economic Development Association (UEDA) 
UEDA is dedicated to serving the nation's institutions of higher education and their economic development affiliates. UEDA focuses on policy, practice, and partnerships that enhance the relationship between higher education and economic development.

National Association of Regional Councils
NARC is a membership organization serving the interests of regional councils and local government organizations. NARC studies recommends solutions to problems facing regions and strives to help their local government members plan for a healthy and prosperous regional community.

National Business Incubation Association
NBIA is a major organization for the promotion of business incubation and entrepreneurship. It provides information, education, advocacy and networking resources to bring excellence to the process of companies in the early stages of development.

National League of Cities
The mission of NLC is to strengthen and promote cities as centers of opportunity, leadership, and governance. NLC was established in 1924 by and for reform-minded state municipal leagues. NLC now represents 49 leagues, more than 1,500 member cities, and through the membership of the state municipal leagues, NLC represents more than 18,000 cities and towns of all sizes in total.

National Rural Economic Developers Association 
NREDA is a member organization dedicated to the advancement of rural economic development through providing education and networking opportunities. Any person employed by an organization defined as a local or regional not-for-profit economic development organization, cooperative rural utility, associations, or government agency, educational institutions, and economic development related vendors such as consultants, development companies, real estate services, financial institutions, law firms, accounting firms and site consultants, construction companies, real estate development, and retired employees of said organizations.

State Science and Technology Institute
SSTI is a national nonprofit organization that leads, supports and strengthens efforts to improve state and regional economies through science, technology and innovation. SSTI offers the services that are needed to help build tech-based economies. Since its inception in 1996, SSTI has developed a nationwide network of practitioners and policymakers dedicated to improving the economy through science and technology.

U.S. Conference of Mayors 
USCM is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are about 1,100 such cities in the country today. Each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor.

Other Economic Development Related Organizations