IEDC proudly announces the recipients of our 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards. This year, we recognize the ground-breaking projects and programs that demonstrate excellence in the field of economic development.

Spanning multiple countries and territories, our award winners build resilient economies across the globe.

"This year's winners embody the spirit of innovation and excellence in economic development," said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. "Their outstanding accomplishments have not only enhanced their own communities but also serve as shining examples of impactful and sustainable economic development worldwide.”

Recognition Roundup

• 226 total awards distributed across multiple categories
• 73 Gold winners representing the pinnacle of achievement
• 83 Silver winners showcasing exceptional excellence
• 70 Bronze winners demonstrating remarkable impact
• 15 Best in Show nominees competing for the highest honors
• 140 unique organizations earning recognition for their transformative work

Congratulations to our 2026 award winners! You set the standard for economic development excellence and inspire communities around the world. Explore the complete collection of winning projects and organizations in our searchable gallery here.

The full program for the 2026 IEDC Annual Conference is now available. Explore the sessions, speakers, and conversations planned for New Orleans as economic developers come together to learn from legacy, lead with impact, and prepare their communities for what comes next.

Newly added tour (Oct. 27): Explore two of New Orleans's most inspiring community-building stories — Strongward, a national nonprofit helping communities recover from disaster and rebuild stronger, and the Lafitte Greenway, a 2.6-mile linear park transforming green infrastructure into community connection. See how rebuilding — homes and public space alike — strengthens the fabric of New Orleans.

We will continue to add details as speakers and sessions are confirmed, so check back regularly to see the latest.

Register by September 4 to receive early-bird pricing.

In this episode of the Develop This! podcast, IEDC Board Member Dennis Fraise sits down with IEDC President & CEO Nathan Ohle for an exclusive preview of the 2026 IEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans. As IEDC celebrates 100 years of leadership in economic development, Nathan shares how this milestone event will honor the profession's rich history while focusing on the innovations shaping its future.

IEDC’s partners at SaveYour.Town have launched the Survey of Rural Challenges for rural and small-town people to share their challenges and assets. Rural experts Becky McCray and Deb Brown will analyze the results and share them, without identifying information, as public reports, infographics, presentations, and articles.

The survey is open to anyone who considers themselves to live or work in a small town anywhere across the globe. We invite you to complete the survey by October 31, 2026.

In a new episode of ICMA’s Voices in Local Government podcast, Economic Recovery Corps Fellow Contessa Trujillo and Taos County Economic Development Director Jessica Stern explore how the Cultural Treasures Project is bringing community culture and identity into economic development planning. The conversation examines cultural asset mapping, community participation, and why “moving at the speed of trust” can help communities shape growth around what residents want to protect, restore, and revitalize.