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!

What's On Your Mind? News & Views

Our Winter 2026 News & Views issue features more stories about the 2025 award winners recognized at NPC! Sign in to your APA account to access our exclusive members-only newsletter!

• Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency's Jobs Access Tool
• Innovation Districts and Urban Economic Resilience: Lessons from Kendall Square
• Notes from the Chair
• Member Spotlight: Rachel Selsky

Call for nominations now open! 2026 Awards Program - Deadline January 30, 2026

The Economic Development Division supports its members through its annual awards and scholarship program. The 2026 program provides 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.

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

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