Managing Economic Development Programs

Tribal programs and offices dedicated to economic development can be referred to in the industry as economic development organizations (EDO). Tribal EDOs, similar to other public EDOs, can access public financing mechanisms to leverage private investment, have direct access to sources of public funding, have municipal powers like regulatory powers, and have access to community resources such as planning, research, and public works. It’s important to keep in mind that there are other forms of EDOs, including non-profits, chambers of commerce, community development corporations (CDCs), community development financial institutions (CDFIs), and policy planning organizations.