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2026 Training Program for Emerging Leaders EDA Atlanta Region Application

With support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Atlanta Regional Office, the NADO Research Foundation is pleased to announce the application process for the inaugural cohort of the Training Program for Emerging Leaders (Emerging Leaders).

The Emerging Leaders program provides EDD staff members with the education and skills required to lead a high-performing EDD. Cohort participants are offered a unique opportunity to learn about successful community and economic development approaches of other EDDs in the southeast region and beyond through on-site trainings. Additionally, the program is an opportunity to create a peer network across the Atlanta Regional Office service area that can add value to EDD activities long after the training program is finished.

Interested staff of EDDs are invited to apply for the 2026 Cohort of the Emerging Leaders. Applications are due Friday, June 5, 2026, and the training will be completed between July and December 2026.
1.Name(Required.)
2.Title(Required.)
3.Organization(Required.)
4.Email(Required.)
5.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?
6.How will your EDD benefit from your participation in this program?
7.What is your experience creating and implementing a CEDS process? Please explain what your role has been in your current (or previous) EDD's CEDS process.
8.How would you describe a high-performing EDD? What makes an EDD successful? How would you describe a poor-performing EDD?
9.How do you define economic development?
10.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?
11.Is your organization committed to covering some of the travel costs associated with the program as outlined in the instructions?
12.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 jmorgan@nado.org.
The sites visits and conferences are as follows (plus a possible day before or after to accommodate travel):

  • July 19-25, 2026 | EDA Atlanta Regional Conference | East Alabama & Northwest Georgia Site Visits
  • September 21-24, 2026 | North Carolina Site Visits
  • October 26-30, 2026 | NADO Annual Training Conference, Reno, NV | Western Nevada Development District Site Visit
  • December 7-10, 2026 | Western Kentucky Site Visits
13.Attendance at all four of these events is required of selected Emerging Leaders. Please confirm that if you are selected you will be able to attend all of these scheduled events.