naDO

NADO, the National Association of Development Organizations, is a United States‑based nonprofit association that represents regional development organizations (RDOs) and allied public agencies involved in community and economic development. It serves as a national platform for members to exchange information, advocate for regional approaches, and build capacity to address local and regional development needs.

Membership consists of RDOs, economic development districts, and related government and nonprofit entities that work on regional planning, economic and workforce development, and infrastructure projects. The association is governed by a board of directors elected from member organizations and supported by committees that focus on policy, programs, membership services, and governance.

Key activities include policy analysis and federal advocacy, professional development through conferences and training, and the dissemination of research, data resources, and best practices to help regions compete for investment and create opportunity. NADO also provides technical assistance and peer-learning networks to help members implement regional strategies.

In its work, NADO collaborates with federal and state agencies, foundations, and regional partners to influence funding priorities and program design related to housing, transportation, broadband, and economic development. The organization hosts an annual conference and maintains an online library of reports, case studies, and toolkits.

The official website for NADO is nado.org.