Government & Economic Development Institute

A partnership between EDAA and GEDI to educate and engage elected officials, economic development board members and other community leaders about key topics in economic and community development. Courses can be taken on a stand alone basis, but the focus will be to have students earn an GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute Certificate of Completion to obtain a well-rounded education. Classes will utilize economic development practitioner experts as instructors and panelists.

The program will educate and energize our leaders and elected officials so that they can play key roles in making their communities better places to work and live.

Participation in the GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute will broaden your knowledge and understanding of the economic development process; foster understanding of and teamwork between all parties involved with economic development; add to your credibility and effectiveness; give your community a competitive advantage to attract and retain business and industry and thus help to create stronger communities and economies.

To earn their certificate students must take 4 GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute courses (including the core course, "Essentials of Economic Development") and attend at least one summer or winter EDAA Conference.

Students have 3 years after enrollment to earn their certificate. Several courses will be offered each year and the EDAA Conference is held twice a year, so you should be able to complete the program in a timely fashion depending on your schedule and availability to attend classes.

Courses are offered in online or in-person formats, depending on demand and availability. In 2026, we are offering one virtual class and five classes in person. 2026 courses will be offered in several different locations throughout Alabama, including: Montgomery, Northport, Birmingham, Prattville, and Auburn.

While it is strongly recommended that students complete Essentials of Economic Development first, it is not required that the courses be completed in any specific order.

Tuition for each course is $125.00 per person unless otherwise noted on the registration page.

In order to be re-certified students must complete two GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute courses every two years. Students may re-take a course they have already completed at any time, but they will not receive re-certification credit for a course completed previously.

Absolutely! If you have a group of people who all want to train together, we will work with you to offer classes tailored to your schedule at times and locations that are convenient for you. Some minimum enrollment numbers and fees may apply and you may also be eligible for a group discount, so please contact GEDI at 334-844-4782 to discuss your options and schedule training.

Receipt of the registration form, email or online enrollment constitutes registration. Written cancellations, received fifteen (15) working days prior to the beginning of the program will be honored with a partial refund of the registration fee, but will be assessed a $50 administrative charge. Due to commitments to instructors and meeting facilities, late cancellations or non-attendance will not be refunded, and full payment is required. Substitutions for registered participants may be made up to one week before the course.

For more information about this program or for group discounts, please contact:

Amelia Hall Stehouwer
334-844-5394
amelia@auburn.edu