Understanding Economic Development Organization Efforts to Advance Inclusive Economic Recovery in Virginia

Abstract

This research incorporates preliminary findings from a survey and case studies of economic development organizations (EDOs) in Virginia as these entities initiate their economic recovery planning processes in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. The research seeks to understand the extent to which EDOs understand—and engage in conversations about—racial and economic inclusion in the context of economic recovery and to learn more about the strategies being deployed to promote inclusive recovery in the post-COVID era. Though some common characteristics were identified, the results demonstrate significant variation in both the extent to which inclusivity is prioritized and how it is conceived of in recovery planning efforts. The findings suggest that while many economic development organizations are signaling a commitment to inclusivity, albeit, in assorted ways, there remains a need for further dialogue about how inclusivity is defined and how it can best translate into actionable strategies.