Welcome! Economic Development Division

The Economic Development Division's mission is to advance the practice and state of the art of economic development planning by increasing the understanding of economic development as a key element of public policy at all levels of government, and to promote it as a critical element of the neighborhood, community, regional, and national planning process.

Not a member? Join us today!

Call for nominations now open! 2025 Awards Program - Deadline January 31, 2025

The Economic Development Division supports its members through its annual awards and scholarship program. The 2025 program has been updated with additional opportunities for deserving projects to be recognized nationally including awards in best practice and innovation for planning and implementation projects. The program includes the signature Donald E. Hunter Award which recognizes an individual that demonstrates vision, leadership, innovation and commitment to the field of planning and economic development. In addition, a student scholarship award is provided in memory of longtime APA member and economic development visionary, Dr. Terry Holzheimer of Arlington County, Virginia and Virginia Tech. The $500 award is a scholarship provided by the APA's Economic Development Division.

What's On Your Mind? Fall 2024 News & Views

In our Fall 2024 issue, check out these great reads!

• 2024 Best Practice Award Winner - William H. Gray III 30th Street Station
• Note from chair-elect Morgan Wortham
• Office to housing conversion in NYC
• The power of interactive zoning maps in achieving economic development goals

APA EDD thanks our 2024 sponsors! Thank you to our sponsors

Thank you to CAI for being our 2024 Executive Level sponsor!