CAPCOG’s planning and economic development coordinator, Kaileen McHugh, completed the 8-month National Association of Development Organizations’ (NADO) Emerging Leaders Program in April. The program cultivates the skills and knowledge to lead a high-performing economic development district by evaluating successful development approaches around the nation that then can support similar planning and project implementation efforts locally.
“The Emerging Leader Program broadened my perspective on economic development and regional planning,” McHugh said. “It helped reinforce the impact my role plays at CAPCOG and how a COG’s work fits into the larger development landscape. I came away with new ideas related to economic development strategy, partnership building, and project implementation.”
As part of the program, McHugh participated in three conferences and visited U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and other economic development projects in cities in Utah, Oklahoma, Maryland, Texas and Washington, D.C. Each visit highlighted different approaches to economic development, infrastructure, workforce, disaster recovery, housing, and regional collaboration projects.
“Seeing how different regions approached similar challenges in unique ways depending on their geography, economy, and community needs was eye opening.” McHugh said. “It showcased firsthand how strategies and partnerships can be adapted for different communities to achieve success.”
NADO selected five people from the five-state U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Austin District to participate in this Emerging Leader’s cohort. While the cohort was small, the program’s activities introduced McHugh to economic development leaders who have experienced and overcome numerous challenges.
“This program helped develop professional relationships across multiple states,” McHugh said. “That kind of network is extremely valuable in regional planning work because many communities are facing similar issues, and we can learn from one another.”
The NADO program is done in partnership with the EDA, which provides oversight for the federally designated economic development districts. CAPCOG serves as a district for the 10-county region.
