ABOUT
2026 Arizona Basic Economic Development Course

2026 Arizona Basic Economic Development Course
1/26/2026 - 1/29/2026
Description
There are limited seats and we typically sell out, so purchase your ticket early to secure your spot!
Each year, AAED partners with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to provide the Basic Economic Development Course. This course provides attendees with a foundational understanding of economic development to grow and enhance community wealth, attract and retain jobs and investment, improve quality of life, and contribute to a strong tax base.
Your experience in this course will include the practical application of concepts through simulated case studies involving real-life challenges in real-life communities. Even more, this course counts as credit toward obtaining an IEDC Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.
Case Study Component: Attendees are required to complete a group project, building a strategic plan for a fictional community and presenting to a panel of judges. Much of this work occurs outside of class time (i.e. evenings), so we encourage attendees to plan accordingly.
Important Deadlines | |
Hotel Room Block Deadline | TBD |
Early Registration Deadline | December 31, 2025 |
Last Day to Register | January 16, 2026 |
Your registration includes the BEDC course book, reception, lunches, and refreshments on course days.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- Local, Regional, and State-Level Economic Development Practitioners
- Economic / Industrial Development Board Members
- Chamber of Commerce Officials
- Municipal and County Managers and Department Directors
- Community Planners and Developers
- State / Local Elected Officials
- Tribal Leaders
- Congressional Aides
- Community Leaders
- County Commissioners
- Utility Company Representatives
- Community / Regional Planners
- Real Estate Professionals
- Workforce Development Professionals
- Poverty Reduction Advocates
TOPICS COVERED
- Organizing, Planning, and Managing Economic Development Initiatives
- Finance and Budgeting
- Ethics
- Community Development
- Entrepreneurship
- Workforce Development
- Real Estate Development and Reuse
- Infrastructure
- Managing Economic Development Organizations
- Business Retention and Expansion
- Tribal Economic Development
- Equity & Inclusion
MONDAY, JANUARY 26 | |
8:00 - 8:30 AM | Check-in & Coffee |
8:30 - 9:00 AM | Welcome & Course Introduction |
9:00 - 9:30 AM | Introduction to Economic Development |
9:30 - 11:00 AM | Ethics in Economic Development |
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Tribal Economic Development |
12:00 - 1:30 PM | Lunch & Case Study Introduction |
1:30 - 3:00 PM | Strategic Planning for Economic Development |
3:00 - 4:00 PM | Case Study Working Time |
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 | |
8:00 - 8:30 AM | Check-in & Coffee |
8:30 - 10:00 AM | Finance for Economic Development |
10:00 - 10:15 AM | Break |
10:15 - 11:45 AM | Marketing & Attraction in Economic Development & Site Selection |
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM | Lunch & Case Study Work Time |
1:00 - 2:30 PM | Overview of Infrastructure |
2:30 - 2:45 PM | Break |
2:45 - 4:15 PM | Community & Neighborhood Development |
4:15 - 5:00 PM | Case Study Working Time |
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 | |
8:00 - 8:30 AM | Check-in & Coffee |
8:30 - 10:00 AM | Workforce Development |
10:00 - 10:15 AM | Break |
10:15 - 11:45 AM | Business Retention & Expansion |
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM | Lunch & Case Study Work |
1:00 - 2:30 PM | Managing Economic Development Organizations |
2:30 - 4:15 PM | Real Estate Development & Reuse |
4:15 - 5:00 PM | Case Study Working Time |
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 | |
8:00 - 8:30 AM | Check-in & Coffee |
8:30 - 10:00 AM | Data & AI in Economic Development |
10:00 - 10:15 AM | Break |
10:15 - 11:45 AM | Entrepreneurship |
11:45 - 1:00 PM | Lunch & Case Study Presentation Prep |
1:00 - 3:00 PM | Case Study Presentations |
3:00 - 3:30 PM | Judging |
3:30 - 4:00 PM | Awarding of Certificates |
The course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council. This course qualifies as a professional development training requirement needed to sit for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) examination.
IEDC
https://www.iedconline.org/
Phone: (202) 223-7800
Acknowledgment
By interacting with the Arizona Association of Economic Development (AAED) or its agents, attending its events, or using its materials, you acknowledge and grant full permission for AAED to use your likeness, information, photographs, recordings, or other forms of media in its publications without payment or further consideration. You understand that all media produced by AAED, its agents, or contractors will become the property of the AAED and authorize them to edit, exhibit, publish, or distribute it for any lawful purpose. You waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product where your likeness appears.
Check-in & Coffee
1475 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
4 See Attendee List