As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, IEDC is legally barred from endorsing political candidates and may only engage in limited lobbying activities.

Despite their diverse backgrounds and professional experiences, founders of each organization shared a common passion to develop their cities and communities into vibrant places to live and do business.

AEDC members offered their services around the world in order to encourage the use of common economic development tools internationally.

These disturbances further weakened the position of many urban economies, as manufacturing and commercial businesses increased their exodus to the suburbs and outer transportation corridors.

IEDC members promote economic development through the auspices of local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions.

The department focuses on important matters that impact communities and the profession, enabling practitioners to better compete in today's global economy.

These efforts include partnering on initiatives, sharing information, and participating in each other's events in order to improve the integration of economic, social, and environmental agendas across national borders.