Statement on Economic Development for All 

Adopted by the OEDA Board of Directors, October 14, 2025 

 

1. Executive Summary

 

The Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) affirms that prosperity for all Ohioans depends on a strong, forward-looking economic development profession. This statement outlines OEDA’s role in strengthening the profession; recognizes how economic development is evolving to include broader activities and more holistic approaches; and sets forth core principles guiding our work with communities, organizations, professionals, representation, and access. Together, these commitments ensure that OEDA elevates the profession of economic development and positions the profession can meet the evolving needs of Ohio’s people and communities. 

 

2. Introduction

 

OEDA helps advance the profession of economic development. Across Ohio, local, regional, and state economic development professionals and strategic partners are growing the economy and strengthening communities. While OEDA does not directly facilitate projects or recruit businesses, our role is to strengthen the profession—and its people, organizations, and communities—in every region of the state. By doing so, we help ensure that all types of economic development organizations and professionals have the knowledge, networks, and resources they need to create prosperity. We also affirm that representation matters: by welcoming voices from across Ohio’s regions, communities, organizations, and professionals, OEDA strengthens both the profession and its outcomes. 

 

We also recognize that the practice of economic development is evolving. Professionals are increasingly engaged in areas once viewed as separate—workforce and community development, housing, energy, planning and zoning, and more. They are working more holistically to serve all people and places in their communities and intentionally promote prosperity for all. This inclusive approach recognizes that when more people can participate and grow their capacity in the economy, it builds resilient economies and stronger communities. By equipping practitioners to broaden their skills and perspectives, OEDA strengthens the profession and helps deliver tangible, lasting improvements in the lives of Ohioans. 

 

3. Principles of Economic Development for All

 

Communities
Prosperity must be possible for every geography and every size of community — from the smallest villages and townships to mid-sized cities and Ohio’s largest metropolitan centers. We recognize that urban, suburban, and rural communities face distinct challenges and opportunities, and we are committed to advancing strategies that ensure no part of Ohio is left behind. 

 

Organizations
Ohio’s economic development ecosystem is made up of many types of organizations — public agencies, private nonprofits, private for-profit entities, and hybrid or partnership models that combine these approaches. Each has unique strengths and challenges. OEDA is dedicated to helping every type of organization succeed by building their capacity, advocating for supportive policies, and creating opportunities for collaboration. 

 

Practice
Economic development today encompasses a broad set of activities that can include but may not be limited to business attraction, retention, and expansion; finance and incentives; real estate development; site selection; and workforce and talent development. The field has also expanded to include collaborative efforts to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology advancements, and place-based strategies such as housing, redevelopment, infrastructure, energy, planning and zoning, and downtown revitalization. OEDA is committed to supporting this full breadth of practice, ensuring that Ohio’s professionals and organizations are equipped to meet the evolving quality of life and economic needs of their communities. 

 

Professionals
We value the breadth of people engaged in this profession — from newcomers to seasoned leaders- and we embrace diversity in experience, education, career path, and lived experiences. We recognize that these perspectives enrich the profession and strengthen its impact, and we are committed to all professionals thriving and feeling a sense of belonging. OEDA is committed to supporting professionals at every stage of their journey, while also welcoming and encouraging new people from all walks of life to enter the field of economic development. By doing so, we help strengthen the profession and the capacity of those who serve Ohio. 

 

Voices
Representation matters. OEDA seeks to reflect the diversity of Ohio’s regions, communities, organizations, and professionals in our Board, committees, programming, and policy priorities. By welcoming different voices, we strengthen both our work and the outcomes for the state. 

 

Access
We are committed to making OEDA’s membership, programs, and events accessible and valuable. That means being mindful of cost while also recognizing the need to sustain high-quality programming through diverse revenue streams. Access is about more than price — it includes geography, scheduling, and the wide range of professional development needs across Ohio. We also leverage technology to broaden participation, making it easier for members to connect, learn, and engage regardless of location. Our goal is that every community, organization, and professional in Ohio has the opportunity to benefit from OEDA’s resources and network. It’s also important to note that all OEDA activities will comply with all relevant federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. 

 

4. Commitment and Conclusion

 

OEDA will hold itself accountable by doing the following: 

• Tracking participation across geographies, organizations, and professional backgrounds. 

• Using research and data to identify gaps and measure progress. 

• Listening to feedback from members and partners. 

• Adjusting programs and policies to continually improve. 

 

OEDA further commits to advancing measures of success that reflect both the traditional hallmarks of growth, as defined primarily by jobs created and investment attracted, and broader, more integrated outcomes that strengthen Ohio’s future: ensuring a competitive business climate, equitable access to opportunity, innovation and sustainable practices that support long-term growth, and assuring resilient communities. 

 

Through these actions and alignment of our measures with our beliefs, we remain accountable to our members and partners. OEDA’s role is to make sure that every community, organization, professional, and area of practice in Ohio can succeed in economic development. By accelerating, elevating, and celebrating the profession, we strengthen the foundation of prosperity for all Ohioans.