IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards feature 26 unique categories that celebrate organizations and initiatives that have made a powerful, lasting impact on communities, regions, and nations. All organizations—big or small, rural, urban, or suburban, U.S.-based or international—are eligible and encouraged to participate in this competitive program. Submit your application today!
Join us for a timely pop-up webinar moderated by IEDC CEO Nathan Ohle and featuring former IEDC board chair Tracye McDaniel, who will share effective leadership strategies for addressing rapid economic changes and uncertainty. In this discussion, participants will explore how to lead effectively through economic shifts, strategic approaches for decision-making in uncertain environments, and techniques to enhance organizational and community resilience. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your leadership capabilities during these critical times.
IEDC Legislative News and Updates
TARIFFS: On March 26, President Trump announced that the United States will impose a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles and auto parts, effective April 2. However, while the tariff applies broadly to both vehicles and auto parts, certain auto parts—including engines and transmissions—will have a delayed implementation, taking effect no later than May 3, according to the presidential proclamation. Additionally, auto parts imported from Canada and Mexico that comply with the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be exempt from these tariffs until U.S. Customs and Border Protection establishes a system to apply tariffs specifically to non-U.S. components within those parts. See more information from IEDC on tariffs.
EDA FUNDING: On March 27, IEDC led the EDA Stakeholders Coalition in writing a letter to House and Senate appropriators urging support for no less than $595 million in FY 2026 funding for the Economic Development Administration (EDA). This amount reflects the authorized funding level for EDA’s core programs. The letter emphasized the overwhelming bipartisan support that led to EDA’s reauthorization last year through the Water Resources Development Act (P.L. 118-272) and urged appropriators to uphold the funding levels agreed upon by congressional authorizers.
