Planning Ahead for Economic Development Success
Advance your expertise in economic development planning with Georgia Tech’s nationally recognized 3-day Basic Economic Development course, accredited by the International Economic Development Council.

This year’s course focuses on the intersection of planning and economic development, preparing attendees to be proactive and forward-thinking as they tackle today’s most pressing economic development trends and challenges.
Dates & Location
March 23–25, 2026
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM EDT
Location: Global Learning Center at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA
Pricing Options
Early Bird, General, and Late Registration available for IEDC members, non-members, and students.
Registration Options
| Category | Early Bird until December 31, 2025 |
General January 1 – March 8, 2026 |
Late March 9 – March 19, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEDC Member | $700 | $800 | $850 |
| Non-IEDC Member | $850 | $950 | $985 |
| Student Rate | $250 | $300 | $350 |
| Course Training Manual | $50 | ||
What You’ll Learn
- Core principles of economic development planning
- Strategic frameworks for community growth
- Tools for aligning planning with workforce and industry needs
- Best practices from experienced practitioners
Syllabus Overview
Full syllabus and speaker lineup are subject to change. Check back for updates.
Housing, Density, Zoning, and Economic Development
Retail and Downtown Development
Managing Economic Development Organizations
Economic and Fiscal Impact Analysis
Managing Tax Incentives
Economic Development Strategic Planning Basics
Ethics in Economic Development
How to Work with Site Selectors
Housing and Neighborhood Development Strategies
Workforce Development
Economic Development Marketing & Attraction