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The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is an agency in the United States Department of Commerce that provides grants to economically distressed communities to generate new employment, help retain existing jobs and stimulate industrial and commercial growth.

History

The EDA was established under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to generate jobs, help retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically troubled areas of the United States. EDA assistance is available to rural and urban areas of the United States experiencing high unemployment, low income, or other severe economic distress.

Mission and Investment Priorities

EDA’s stated mission is to "lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy."^[1]

The U.S. Economic Development Administration’s investment policy is designed to establish a foundation for sustainable job growth and the building of durable regional economies throughout the United States. This foundation builds upon two key economic drivers - innovation and regional collaboration. Innovation is the key to global competitiveness, new and better jobs, a resilient economy, and the attainment of national economic goals. Regional collaboration is essential for economic recovery because regions are the centers of competition in the new global economy and those that work together to leverage resources and use strengths to overcome weaknesses will fare better than those that do not. EDA encourages its partners around the country to develop initiatives that advance new ideas and creative approaches to address rapidly evolving economic conditions.^[2]

Organization

The Economic Development Administration is led by an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, who is appointed by the President of the United States. The current Assistant Secretary is John Fernandez, who was appointed by President Barack Obama on September 14, 2009. The Assistant Secretary is assisted in running the Administration by two Deputy Assistant Secretaries and various other senior career federal employees.

• Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development
  • Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development/Chief Operating Officer
    • Office of External Affairs
    • Office of Information Technology
    • Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    • Office of Finance and Management Services
  • Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Regional Affairs
    • Office of Regional Affairs
      • Atlanta Regional Office
      • Austin Regional Office
      • Chicago Regional Office
      • Denver Regional Office
      • Philadelphia Regional Office
      • Seattle Regional Office

Senior Leadership

John Fernandez, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development

Brian P. McGowan, Deputy Assistant Secretary/COO for Economic Development

Sean Cartwright, Chief of Staff

Angela Belden Martinez, Senior Advisor and Director of Outreach

Barry E. A. Johnson, Senior Advisor and Director of Strategic Initiatives

Barry Bird, Chief Counsel

Bryan Borlik, Director, Performance and National Programs, and Director, Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms

Angela Ewell-Madison, Director, Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs

Cleve Mesidor, Director, Public Affairs

See also

• Federal Trade Commission
• United States Commercial Service
• United States Chamber of Commerce
• Small Business Administration

External links

• "Economic Development Administration". http://www.eda.gov/. Retrieved 2005-11-23. 

Agencies under the United States Department of Commerce Headquarters: Herbert C. Hoover Building · Secretary of Commerce Deputy Secretary of Commerce Economic Development Administration · National Technical Information Service · Minority Business Development Agency · National Telecommunications and Information Administration Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Bureau of Industry and Security Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs Economics and Statistics Administration · Bureau of Economic Analysis · Census Bureau Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade International Trade Administration Under Secretary of Commerce and Administrator for NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology National Institute for Standards and Technology Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property Patent and Trademark Office

References