National Association of Development Organizations (NADO)

As we think of what we're thankful for during this holiday season, our thoughts turn to NADO members and friends like you. Wishing you and yours a happy Thanksgiving! With Gratitude, The NADO Team (+ four new colleagues we'll introduce soon! ?? ??)

The inaugural cohort of the Collaborative Learning Group (CLG), offered through the?Economic Development District (EDD) Community of Practice (CoP), has successfully concluded. As part of this 7-month virtual training and networking program, cohort members wrote a case study showcasing a program their EDD is operating. These case studies are now available on the?NADO website. The CLG is a 7-month virtual training and networking opportunity for new EDD staff who have been at their organization for two years or less.?The next cohort of the CLG will be launching in early 2025. For more information on the CLG, email NADO Program Manager Joe D’Antonio at?[email protected]. Learn more about the 2024 cohort and read their case studies here: https://www.nado.org/clg/

?? ?? ??♀??? NADO and AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials)’s Center for Environmental Excellence will host a?virtual peer exchange for bike/ped infrastructure in rural areas on?December 3?at 1 p.m. ET.?Through this virtual peer exchange, attendees will hear more about how to develop?bike walk?audits, see examples of bike/ped infrastructure, as well as case studies.?Register here: https://lnkd.in/eDu3dhXy

Join us and the Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) March 9-12, 2025 in Arlington, VA for sessions focused on regional development, the federal landscape, and the programs and policies that matter most to Regional Development Organizations and their stakeholders at the 2025 NADO & DDAA Washington Conference. Conference registration and hotel reservations are now open. Visit our website for more details and links: https://lnkd.in/ePFe6MQ4

This Fall, as part of the Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), NADO conducted four webinars discussing October's update to the?Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements?issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and codified in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200. The four webinar recordings and materials are now?available for viewing on our website. View them here: https://lnkd.in/etF4Agwq

This November, the SolSmart program is hosting webinars on solar energy, economic growth, and price stability for municipalities. Sign up today!? ? ?? Introduction to SolSmart—How Local Governments Can Spur Economic Growth via Solar Energy (Nov. 7, 2-3 p.m. ET): Learn how SolSmart will provide free technical assistance to help you streamline your solar permitting and inspection processes which will help spur economic growth.?(https://lnkd.in/epaZYPiC) ?? SolSmart—Utilizing Solar Energy to Increase Stability of Municipal Utility Costs (Nov. 12-1 p.m. ET): In an era of increasing energy demands, fluctuating energy markets, volatile energy prices and a greater call for clean energy, municipalities are exploring innovative solutions to bolster the stability of utility costs while promoting clean energy in their communities. This webinar offers practical insights into integrating solar solutions, highlighting real-world success stories and innovative procurement models.?(https://lnkd.in/ef4CEi_u)

Last week, NADO Associate Directors Bret Allphin and Carrie Kissel led an active transportation workshop called 'Walk Bike Roll' held on the campus of Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania - Mansfield. The workshop was held in partnership with the Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commission, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, and the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University. The event was supported by USDA Rural Development as part of NADO’s ongoing technical assistance work. The workshop aimed to share information and best practices on how rural communities can support and grow human powered transportation (#walking, #biking, #rollingofanykind) with a focus on #accessibility, #safety, and project development. More information about the workshop including the presentations and other information shared with attendees can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eUSdyFfw.

Our next webinar, Sowing Success: EDDs and Regional Solutions to Food System Development, is this Wednesday, November 6, at 2 p.m. ET. Register now to learn more about food systems best practices from two successful EDDs and the role the Wealth Creation framework can play in helping EDDs strengthen regional food systems. Register online: https://lnkd.in/gFeW6siM Jennifer Bedrosian Luis Nieves-Ruiz, FAICP Andrew Coker Melissa Levy

Congratulations to the 2024 NADO Member Photo Contest winners. Enjoy the photos below! ?? Strengthening Built and Natural Environments: Tri County Economic Development District (WA) ?? Building Vibrant?Places: Foothills Regional Commission (NC) ?? Investing in Our?Regional Economy: Region 9 Economic Development Dist. of SW Colorado (CO) ?? Sustaining Our Communities: Mid-Minnesota Development Commission (MN) ?? People’s Choice: Pennyrile Area Development District (KY)

...and that's a wrap on #NADOATC24 and our time gathering in New Orleans! NADO extends a sincere "Thank You!" to every sponsor, exhibitor, speaker, moderator, and attendee for investing in this year's Annual Training Conference. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more photos to come. Photos by Peter G. Forest.