February 2026 Newsletter

Insights, training opportunities, and updates to help communities thrive across Georgia and beyond.

Don't Miss Your Chance: Advance Your Career in Economic Development

Atlanta Georgia at sunset

Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC)

We’re less than one month away from the 2026 BEDC! This is your chance to sign up for the nation’s original course, designed to teach you the fundamentals you need to be successful in economic development. This course is accredited by the IEDC and counts toward CEcD credits.

Board Boost: Development Authority Training

Also in March, we’re offering the next session in our popular Board Boost webinar series. Over 150 Development Authority members in Georgia are already certified compliant with GA Code § 36-62A-21(b), don’t miss out!

A row of houses sitting on a bookshelf
A man points toward an icon of interconnected gears

Tailored Trainings

We’re happy to offer trainings customized to your team. If you’re interested in learning about AI for the Public Sector or AI in Workforce Development, please reach out to our Assistant Director, Leigh Hopkins.

Come See the CEDR Team

Come see our Director, Dr. Alfie Meek, present at the March 12th Partnership Gwinnett Economic Outlook luncheon.

From Partnership Gwinnett: “Want to stay ahead of the economic trends shaping the year? The Economic Outlook is your go-to event for expert insights on the year ahead.

Join nationally recognized economist and Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute Director of the Center for Economic Development ResearchAlfie Meek, Ph.D., as he delivers an engaging and data-driven presentation on key economic trends and future projections. Gain valuable insights on inflation, interest rates, recession risks, labor market trends, wage growth, federal debt, and more.

Whether you’re a business leader, investor, or policymaker, this event will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the evolving economic landscape.”

News from Georgia Tech

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CEDR Newsletter – September 2025

CEDR Newsletter – September 2025: Explore insights on housing demand in Columbus, new workforce initiatives through ARC INSPIRE, and upcoming Board Boost training for Georgia Development Authorities. Plus, celebrate our first CEDR-C™ community and stay ahead with strategic updates for economic growth.

CEDR Newsletter — September 2025

Insights, training opportunities, and updates to help communities thrive across Georgia and beyond.

Board Boost: Development Authority 2-Hour Supplemental

Stay Ahead of New Requirements: These free, live webinars provide Georgia Development Authority Board Member Training aligned to SB 171’s 2-hour annual continuing education requirement. Choose one of four dates at 9:00–11:00 a.m. ET, complete the two hours in one morning, and receive a certificate after attendance verification.

CEDR in Action – ARC Award

Building Pathways to Prosperity in Northwest Georgia: CEDR and GaMEP have been awarded an ARC INSPIRE grant to launch Project Purpose: Pathways to Prosperity. This initiative will expand workforce training and recovery-focused services for justice-involved individuals in Polk, Floyd, and Chattooga counties.

Celebrating Our First CEDR-C™ Recipient!

We’re proud to announce that the first Certified Economic Development Ready Community (CEDR-C™) award was presented to Pembroke, GA at the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) conference! This program recognizes communities that demonstrate strategic readiness for economic growth through planning, workforce development, and infrastructure.

CEDR Insights: Housing Demand in Columbus

The Chattahoochee Valley is projected to add 36,000 new residents by 2035, creating demand for 14,000+ new housing units. Our latest study explores the affordability and availability of workforce housing throughout the region.

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