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In the last year, EDA has launched several Communities of Practice as a way to further collaboration, deepen our grantmaking impacts, and improve our grantees’ effectiveness. This support helps provide a foundation for sustainable job growth, builds resilient regional economies, and is focused on a range of issues, regions, and stakeholders. [Read More]
Craig Buerstatte
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Regional Affairs
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New Funding Opportunities
Two new funding opportunities at EDA are designed to support underserved communities and populations across the country. The Economic Recovery Corps program will add staff resources to local organizations focused on improving economic resilience and competitiveness in distressed regions across the country. The Equity Impact Investments program will provide technical assistance to enable organizations serving underserved populations and communities to participate in economic development planning and projects. [Read More]
Detailed Look at Applicants
EDA released a detailed look across the applicant pool for the Good Jobs Challenge. 509 proposals were submitted for the $500 million program, representing a collective vision of reaching underserved populations and areas, and creating an equitable pathway to good jobs across the country. [Read More]
Historic Agreement
The United States hosted the Organization of American States (OAS) ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California, for the first time since 1994. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo was a senior member joining the U.S. Department of Commerce delegation to the historic summit. While there, President Biden announced the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, a historic new agreement to drive the hemisphere’s economic recovery and growth. [Read More]
Focused on FDI
Assistant Secretary Castillo attended the SelectUSA Investment Summit June 26-29. SelectUSA is a Department of Commerce program to stimulate foreign investment in the United States. Assistant Secretary Castillo served as moderator on a session on Investing in Underserved Communities. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is one of EDA’s Investment Priorities. [Read More]
Celebrating Pride Month
During Pride Month in June, the Department of Commerce and EDA celebrated the LGBTQ+ community and paid tribute to the many LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and innovators who help fulfill the promise of America for all. [Read More]
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BUILD BACK BETTER REGIONAL CHALLENGE
Summer Conference
On June 15 and 16, our finalists, federal agencies and philanthropic partners gathered in Washington, DC, for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge Summer Conference, co-hosted by the National League of Cities and America Achieves.
The Summer Conference reinforced the unprecedented nature of the BBBRC for equity-centered, transformative place-based economic growth, and fostered connections with the launch of a Community of Practice among finalists, linking them to a broader network of federal agencies, philanthropists, and thought leaders. Featured speakers included U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, White House American Rescue Plan Coordinator and Senior Advisor to the President Gene Sperling, Senior Advisor to the President Mitch Landrieu, Assistant Secretary Castillo, EDA Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Alvord and EDA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Michele Chang.
The conference was enriched by peer learning sessions, where participants were able to build towards shared policy goals, such as inclusive economic development and equity-focused workforce systems.
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PUERTO RICO
First EDD in Puerto Rico
Later this year, EDA will officially certify and recognize the first Economic Development District (EDD) in Puerto Rico, the Southern Puerto Rico Economic Development District (SPREDD). It will focus on helping small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs develop a favorable business climate for the island’s southern region. [Read More]
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CALIFORNIA
Leading to Growth
An EDA investment is leading to growth and development in a northern California town. In 2015, the city of Willows was awarded a $2.5 million grant, leading to 100 jobs saved and creating the potential for more businesses to relocate to the community. [Read More]
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OREGON
Bridging the Divide
The EDA-designated University Center (UC) at the University of Oregon is helping the state’s economic development community remove the barriers that separate research from action. The UC played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the state to recover and rebuild. [Read More]
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