ACTION NEEDED

Urge your members of Congress to increase funding for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) in FY 2025. EDA funding is important to counties because it helps local communities achieve long-term economic growth based on local and regional priorities.

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is the only federal agency with a mission focused solely on private sector job creation in distressed areas. EDA has achieved an impressive track record of making strategic investments and building partnerships that help regions and communities respond to shifts in international markets, address severe unemployment challenges and recover from plant closures, major natural disasters and other chronic, sudden or severe economic hardships.

At a time when the nation must make the public sector investments necessary to compete in the global economy, the flexibility, partnership structure and accountability of EDA’s programs should be at the forefront of the federal toolbox. The agency’s portfolio of economic development infrastructure, business development financing, regional innovation strategies and public-private partnerships are tailored to support the unique needs of each region.

EDA-funded projects are awarded on a competitive basis and typically require a 50 percent local match and significant private sector investment, helping to ensure projects have local support and are part of a broader regional strategy. In FY 2024, EDA received $468 million in funding, $30 million under the FY 2023 appropriations level.  NACo members are encouraged to contact their members of Congress to significantly increase funding for EDA in FY 2025 appropriations.

KEY TALKING POINTS

  • EDA focuses solely on private sector job creation and economic growth. EDA investments promote high quality jobs, especially in advanced manufacturing, science and technology and emerging knowledge- based industries and sectors.
  • EDA’s infrastructure investments are targeted at essential facilities and assets like water and wastewater systems, middle mile broadband networks, workforce training centers, business incubators, intermodal facilities and science and research parks.
  • EDA’s grants are awarded on a competitive basis, based on regional comprehensive economic development strategies (CEDs), and are developed and prioritized by local communities. This helps to ensure that projects have significant local support and are part of a broader regional plan, rather than isolated, uncoordinated local projects.
  • Under federal law, EDA projects typically require a 50 percent local cost share and significant private sector investment, ensuring that local leaders and businesses are committed to the project’s success.
  • EDA grants are critical for county economic development. They are also particularly important for rural areas, where such economic development resources are often scarce

Related News

Competitors launch into the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, which has attracted crowds to Crawford County, Mich. since 1947. Photo by John Garrod
County News

Extreme sports attract crowds, help boost county tourism

Athletic events draw participants and spectators to counties featuring unique geographies that inspire feats of strength, endurance and creativity.

Capitol Building
Advocacy

U.S. House passes rescissions package

On June 12,  the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4) in a narrow 214-212 vote. The legislation would cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved federal funding, marking the Trump Administration’s first formal attempt to codify funding cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). 

Business along San Carlos Boulevard that were damaged during Hurricane Ian
Advocacy

New disaster recovery grants now open to support county economic development

The U.S. Economic Development Administration has launched the Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program, making $1.45 billion available to help communities recover from natural disasters and build long-term economic resilience. Counties affected by major disaster declarations in 2023 or 2024 are eligible to apply for funding to rebuild infrastructure, strengthen local economies and prepare for future disruptions. This program goes beyond immediate recovery, aiming to transform local economies and foster sustainable, long-term economic growth. 

Gabrielle, Todd and Jacob Kuchta pause for a photo on the front porch of Jacob's new home, made possible by Napa County's Affordable ADU forgivable loan program. Photo by Villa/Nicholas Miller
County News

California county helps homeowners build ADUs

Napa County, Calif. created a forgivable loan for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units to aid rental housing affordability.

HowardCounty
County News

County analyzes data, seeks community input for comprehensive growth plan

As Howard County, Md. grew and became more diverse, HoCo By Design analyzed data and engaged the community to draw more input to help plan the county’s future.

County Clerk Terry Wilbur Testifying
Advocacy

NACo testifies before Congress on brownfields revitalization

On May 7, Oswego County, N.Y. Clerk Terry Wilbur testifiedon behalf of NACo before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment at a hearing titled “Cleaning Up the Past, Building the Future: The Brownfields Program”.