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Training Program for Emerging Leaders Application: Atlanta Cohort II

With support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Atlanta Regional Office (Agreement Number ED24ATL0G0586), the NADO Research Foundation is pleased to announce that the application for the second cohort of the Training Program for Emerging Leaders (Emerging Leaders) is open.

We are inviting interested staff of EDDs to apply for Cohort II of the Atlanta TPEL. Applications are due December 14, 2026, and the training will take place February 2027 - July 2027.
1.First Name:(Required.)
2.Last Name:(Required.)
3.Job Title:(Required.)
4.Organization:(Required.)
5.Email Address:(Required.)
6.Why are you applying to the program? Please explain, briefly, what you hope to get out of the program. How will it benefit your current position?  Career goals?(Required.)
7.How will your EDD benefit from your participation in this program?(Required.)
8.What is your experience creating & implementing a CEDS process? Please explain what your role has been in your current (or previous) EDD's CEDS process.(Required.)
9.How would you describe a high-performing EDD?  What makes an EDD a success? How would you describe a poor-performing EDD?(Required.)
10.How do you define economic development?(Required.)
11.Does your organization's Executive Director support your interest in the Emerging Leaders program? If you are the Executive Director, does your Board support your interest in the program?(Required.)
12.Is your organization committed to covering some of the travel costs associated with the program as outlined in the instructions?(Required.)
13.Please send your resume and a letter of commitment from your organization's Executive Director (or Board chair if you are the Executive Director) to jdantonio@nado.org.(Required.)
14.The sites visits and conferences are as follows (plus a possible day before or after to accommodate travel):

Site Visit 1
Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (FL)
February 1-4, 2027

Site Visit 2
NADO Washington Conference (Arlington, VA) + Central Shenandoah & Northern Shenandoah PDC (VA)
March 8-12, 2027

Site Visit 3
Location TBD
May 24-27, 2027

Site Visit 4
EDA Atlanta Training & Site Visit (Location TBD)
July 2027

Attendance at these events is required of selected Emerging Leaders. Please confirm if selected you will be able to attend all of these scheduled events.(Required.)