Government & Economic Development Institute

The Intensive Economic Development Training Course is an annual two-week course presented by the Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI).

The course is divided into two one-week sessions and introduces participants to all phases of economic development. Program leaders and faculty have proven success in economic development practices and techniques. Instructors represent the field’s most effective practitioners from throughout the state and nation.

The first week of the course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council. It fulfills one of the prerequisites for those who wish to take the examinations for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation. It provides an intensive overview of general economic development concepts and principles. In 2026, week one will be held July 6-10.

The second week will be held September 14-17, 2026 and will focus on important issues and resources in our state. It is especially valuable to economic developers and community leaders practicing in Alabama.

With 40 years of experience, GEDI is the state’s leading provider of economic development education and training.

Who Should Attend

• Local, Regional, and State-Level Economic Development Professionals
• Economic / Industrial Development Board Members
• Chamber of Commerce Officials
• State / Local Elected Officials
• Community Leaders
• County Commissioners
• Utility Company Representatives
• Community / Regional Planners

Course Curriculum

Session I Topics

• Introduction to Economic Development
• Trends in Economic Development
• Economic Development Marketing and Attraction
• The Site Selection Process and Role of the Consultant
• Business Retention and Expansion
• Community Development Fundamentals
• Ethics in Economic Development
• Economic Development Finance
• The Use of Data in Economic Development
• Strategic Planning for Economic Development
• Community Geography and Site Analysis
• Real Estate Development and Reuse
• Workforce Development and Talent Attraction
• Managing an Effective Economic Development Organization
• The Role of an Economic Developer
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development

Session II Topics

• The History of Economic Development in Alabama
• Alabama Government and Economic Development
• Alabama Workforce Development: Programs and Planning
• PK-12 Education and Alabama Economic Development
• Placemaking / Community Resources
• Alabama Tourism as Economic Development
• The Role of Local Elected Officials in Economic Development
• Alabama Department of Commerce
• Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
• Economic Development Partnership of Alabama
• Alabama Rural Development Resources
• Broadband: Essential Economic Development Infrastructure
• Alabama’s Infrastructure Report Card
• The Role of Energy Utilities in Alabama Economic Development
• Regional Coopetition
• Resources to Support Local Business and Industry
• Retail as an Economic Development Tool
• The Role of Public Policy in Economic Development

Certificates and Attendance Policy

Session I participants will receive a certificate of completion for the IEDC-accredited Auburn University Basic Economic Development Course. Participants who attend both Sessions I and II will receive a certificate of completion for the Intensive Economic Development Training Course. Only illness, a family emergency, or a business emergency constitute an excused absence.

Attendance and Participation: All program attendees are encouraged to benefit fully from the course by asking questions, relating experiences and thoughts, and otherwise ensuring that they understand and can apply techniques and ideas offered by the instructors. Per both IEDC and GEDI policies, students must attend 90% of the course sessions (including case study breakouts) to receive a course certificate.