News Listing

In January 2023, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) reached a historic milestone with three additional regional organizations designated as Economic Development Districts (EDD). With these additions, there are now 400 such organizations across the country, leading locally-driven economic development planning, technical assistance, strategies and coordination.

Lakota Funds is a community development financial institution (CDFI) dedicated to creating economic development opportunities on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. It works to increase the number of businesses on Tribal lands and create self-sufficiency for its citizens.

In 2022, Ernest Weston, Jr. joined EDA as the first Tribal Economic Development Representative. Working out of the Denver Regional Office, he soon began looking for unique ways to engage local Tribal stakeholders. In doing so, Weston recognized the need to create community in the meaningful work of Tribal Economic Development.

Recently, Dennis Alvord, EDA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development and Chief Operating Officer, was elected to serve as Chair of the Regional Development Policy Committee (RDPC) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In this role, DAS Alvord will chair RDPC meetings beginning with the next meeting in April 2023. His service as Chair will provide an important opportunity to help shape the priorities of the RDPC in terms of their cutting-edge research and policy analysis for policymakers and practitioners across the 38-member-country committee. RDPC’s research and analysis provide EDA and U.S. economic development practitioners with international best practices and policies in 21st century regional economic development.

Beginning today and continuing through the end of February, EDA joins other Department of Commerce bureaus in celebrating Black History Month!

This month, the delegations from all 32 grantees of EDA’s Good Jobs Challenge gathered in Washington, D.C. to focus on collaboration and developing strong workforce systems in their regions. Highlighted by remarks from three Cabinet members and a Fortune 500 CEO, the 2022 Good Jobs Challenge Convening provided grantees with access to experts in the workforce field and opportunities to build connections with each other. The convening was hosted by Jobs for the Future (JFF), which is leading the Good Jobs Challenge Community of Practice (CoP). 

Tom Baron is an Economic Development Representative (EDR) with EDA’s Chicago Regional Office. He works with applicants who represent Wisconsin and the 11 federally recognized Tribes that call the Badger State their home. One of his responsibilities is to increase Tribal awareness of funding opportunities available through EDA and its federal, state, and non-profit partners.

This November, the White House, the Department of Commerce and EDA hosted a series of events in honor of Native-American Heritage Month, welcoming Tribal leaders to Washington, DC. President Joe Biden kicked off the celebration, issuing a proclamation upholding America’s commitment to our Tribal nations, just one month after announcing a new Tribal Advisor position in the Office of Management and Budget.

Ecuador hosted the 15th America’s Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) from November 13-17, convening leaders from more than 20 countries and a diverse array of international organizations.