Economic development professionals play a critical role in addressing the challenges presented by the ever-increasing inequities, racial prejudices, and alarming disparities in our society. IEDC prioritizes the role economic developers can play to eliminate structural racism in our economy and support opportunities to increase wealth in communities of color. We at the International Economic Development Council are committed to dismantling systemic and institutionalized racism that has existed for generations. We are dedicated to reflecting and advancing these values both within our organization and our contributions to the profession.
IEDC’s Equitable Economic Development Playbook Initiative is IEDC’s flagship Race, Equity, and Economic Development program. With this project we respond to a call to action to:
Identify and address economic development practices that contribute to systemic racism.
Develop a guide for incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
Implement practices among economic development organizations across the country.