Ohio Economic Development Association upcoming events

OEDI Capstone Course Cohort IX- January 1 - June 30 (Invitation Only) (01 Jan 2026)

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Congratulations. You have met the eligibility requirements for the OEDI Capstone Course Cohort 9, which is the final prerequisite to receive your OhioCED certification. You can now officially apply for the Capstone Cohort VIII via this event registration.

Please note that payment of $649 will be due upon acceptance of your application, but no later than March 1, 2026. You will receive a separate notification and invoice.

As part of this application, you will be asked to submit a short description of your proposed Capstone Project. The form is limited to 250 characters. Please consult the Capstone Course Cohort VIII Guidelines for more information about what makes a good Capstone project.

When you register, you will be asked for a Password. Please reefer to your Invitation Email for your appropriate password,

The Capstone Course Cohort VIII Guidelines provide the official criteria for the course. You can obtain a copy of the guidelines at this LINK!

Note: The deadline for submitting an application for the Capstone Course is January 31, 2026.

TMUD - Transformational Mixed Use Development Update (02 Apr 2026)

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Join us for this Special Webinar:

TMUD in Ohio: What You Need to Know Before the April Deadline

Thursday, April 2, 2026 / 2:00 PM

Get the latest on Ohio's Transformational Mixed Use Development Program

If you’re working on a catalytic development project in Ohio, the timing on the Transformational Mixed-Use Development (TMUD) program matters — and the window is closing quickly.

With the next application deadline approaching on April 22, this webinar --- taking place on Thursday, April 2 at 2:00 pm ---- is designed to give you a clear, practical understanding of how the program works, what makes a competitive application, and how communities and developers are successfully positioning projects for funding. Whether you’re advancing a downtown redevelopment, mixed-use district, or large-scale adaptive reuse, this session will help you assess whether TMUD is a fit—and how to act on it now.

We’re bringing in the team from The Montrose Group, who have been directly involved in structuring and advising on TMUD projects across Ohio. They’ll walk through real-world examples, common pitfalls, and the strategic decisions that separate funded projects from the rest of the pack. This is not a theoretical overview—it’s a working session aimed at practitioners who need to move projects forward. If you have a project in play or on the drawing board, this is worth your time.

OEDA Professional Development Training is made possible through the generous support of:

2026 OEDI Finance and Incentives Core Course (07 May 2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

2026 OEDI FINANCE & INCENTIVES CORE COURSE

May 7 - 8, 2026

Ohio University - Dublin Integrated Education Center
6805 Bobcat Way | Dublin, Ohio 43016

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

The Finance & Incentives Course is an intensive two-day in person education and training program that is designed to give economic development professionals the knowledge they need to use Ohio tools and programs for project financing. The Course utilizes instruction as well as experiential learning activities, panels, case studies, and guest speakers.

Knowledge: Participants will gain a strong understanding of the both the public and private sector finance and incentive programs that are used to structure deals. They’ll also benefit from deep dives into Ohio projects through case studies from all around the state.
Network: Through team activities and opportunities to dialogue with a wide range of best-in-class economic developers in each field, participants will grow their professional network and make important connections with leaders of the profession.

Course Topics: The course is constantly being updated to keep current with the changing business landscape and include new programs and tools that become available. Some of the past topics include:

Access to Capital
Bonds in Economic Development
Private Sector Financing Principles
Port Authorities: Benefits in Economic Development Financing
Economic Development Incentives: When to Use What Program
Incentive Case Studies from the Front Lines
Creative Financing and Deal Making
Tax Increment Financing and Other Public Tools in Ohio
JobsOhio Loan and Grant Programs
Best Practices in Negotiating the Incentive Deal: How Much is Enough
Making the Incentive Decision: Return on Investment (ROI)

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Who Should Attend: This course is specifically designed to deliver comprehensive training in the use of finance and incentive programs; making it attractive to the intermediate level professional as well as the experienced practitioner who wants to brush up on the latest in project finance and new tools and programs.

Pre-Requisites: Because of the program’s rigor, attendees must have completed The Ohio Basic Economic Development Course or have three years of economic or community development experience. Individuals who will be taking the Ohio Basic Economic Development Course in the Spring of 2026* may register for this course.

Faculty: OEDI Core Courses are taught by experienced local, state, and national economic development practitioners. In addition to these lead instructor(s), each course has a unique faculty group made up on individuals who have been hand selected because of their subject matter expertise, leadership role in Ohio economic development, or role in the case studies utilized in the course.

Past Institute faculty has included representatives from: JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development, the six regional JobsOhio Network Partners, and experienced development finance experts.

Registration: Early Bird Registration of $549 offers a discount to the regular OEDA member registration. The early-bird registration period ends April 7, 2026 and all registration options increase to the regular fee. Members are encouraged to register for multiple courses to receive special discounted pricing.

Why OEDI: The Ohio Economic Development Institute (OEDI) is the premier training and professional development program for economic developers in Ohio. As a state-specific program, OEDI’s Core Courses focus on the practice of economic development in Ohio; including the state’s unique economic development structure and ecosystem. The Institute is made possible through the generous and continuing support of JobsOhio. OEDA’s academic partner is the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service.

Ohio Certified Economic Developer: OEDI courses are part of a comprehensive curriculum, but they can be taken singly. They also serve as the pathway to the Ohio Certified Economic Development (OhioCED) Individuals who successfully complete the five Core Courses, a project-based Capstone Course, and an additional 24 hours of electives, are eligible for the Ohio Certified Economic Developer or OhioCED.

Lodging information: A variety of hotel options to fit specific travel needs and budget are nearby. Visit VISIT DUBLIN OHIO for a full list of options. For those looking to stay close to the facility, the following hotels are recommended (all are within six miles of Ohio University’s Dublin Campus): Columbus Marriott Northwest, Crowne Plaza Dublin, Embassy Suites Columbus-Dublin. Please note that the start time for the first day is 9 a.m.

AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity.

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Policies & Additional Information

1. Full attendance on both days is required for the course to count towards certification.

2. Cancellations must be requested in writing no later than 7 days prior to each course to receive a full refund. Please note that no refunds will be issued after this date and registrations not canceled and pending payment are responsible for full payment. As an additional option, you may submit a request in writing to transfer your registration to another student up to 7 days prior to the course.

3. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Walk-in registration cannot be accommodated.

4. If the multiple course rate is selected, the registrant must register for and attend at least one additional OEDI core course in 2026. If the registrant does not register for and attend an additional course, a $50 fee will be assessed and an invoice will be sent to the registrant.

Thank you to our Leadership Circle Investors for your generous support:

2026 OEDI Business Retention and Expansion Core Course (25 Jun 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

2026 OEDI BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION CORE COURSE

jUNE 25 - 26, 2026, 2026

Ohio University - Dublin Integrated Education Center
6805 Bobcat Way | Dublin, Ohio 43016

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Course Description: The Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Course focuses on how economic developers work with existing companies to help them succeed, grow and expand in their community. The Course utilizes instruction as well as experiential learning activities, panels, case studies, and guest speakers.

The BR&E Course interactive delivery model helps ensure participants will leave with immediately applicable knowledge and build their professional network through group activities. Unlike traditional lecture-style, this course focuses on participant engagement and interaction. And, it provides a forum for economic development professionals to share information and build relationship with the best in the industry.

• Knowledge: Participants will gain a strong understanding of how to create, implement and manage a new BRE program as well as how to refine and enhance an existing one to keep pace with business and industry changes that inform BRE strategies. This includes connecting companies to vital resources within the community and at the state level, leveraging JobsOhio sector team efforts, and collaborating with nearby communities

• Network: Through team activities and opportunities to dialogue with a wide range of local, regional, and state partners and stakeholders as well as best-in-class economic developers, participants will identify the correct contacts for BRE, grow their professional network and make important connections with leaders of the profession.

Course Topics: The course is constantly being updated to keep current with the changing business landscape and emerging trends and issues in economic development. Some of the past topics include:
•   Objectives and Outcomes of BRE
•   Your BR&E Bench: Leveraging Regional Resource Partners
• BRE and Industry Trends in Ohio: How your community fits into the overall Ohio Economy
•   Workforce: Realities and Dynamics in Ohio That Impact BRE Strategies
•   Branding, Marketing & Applying Social Media to BRE in your Community

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Past Institute faculty has included representatives from: JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development, the six regional JobsOhio Network Partners, and experienced development finance experts.

Registration: Early Bird Registration offers a discount to the regular OEDA member registration. The early-bird registration period ends May 15, 2026 and all registration options increase to the regular fee. Members are encouraged to register for multiple courses to receive special discounted pricing.

AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity.

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Policies & Additional Information

1. Full attendance on both days is required for the course to count towards certification.

3. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Walk-in registration cannot be accommodated.

Thank you to our Leadership Circle Investors for your generous support:

2026 OEDI Site Selection Core Course (23 Jul 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

2026 OEDI SITE SELECTION CORE COURSE

July 23 - 24, 2026

Bob Crane Community Center

3200 Tremont Road

Upper Arlington, OH 43221

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Course Description: This course covers both site development and the site selection processes. The site development aspects of the course will focus on the process of how to make sure that that Ohio communities have shovel-ready sites that are competitive. The site selection portions of the course are designed to give the economic development professional an understanding of the JobsOhio site selection program, the specifics of the SiteOhio site certification program, the Ohio Future Fund, and how economic developers can work with site selectors and consultants.

Course Topics: The course is constantly being updated to keep current with emerging site development and selection issues and new tools and programs. Some of the past topics include:

Site Selection Fundamentals & Trends
Importance of Infrastructure in Site Selection: Focus on Utilities
Strategically Building the Product Pipeline: SiteOhio & Beyond
Details, Details: Practical Tips for Finding and Maintaining Site
The RFP: The Importance of Data Quality & Integrity
Identifying & Advancing Sites as Job Hubs in your Community
Executing an Effective Site Visit: Process, Process, Process

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Past Institute faculty has included representatives from: JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development, the six regional JobsOhio Network Partners, and experienced development finance experts.

Registration: Early Bird Registration of offers a discount to the regular OEDA member registration. The early-bird registration period ends June 1, 2026, 2026 and all registration options increase to the regular fee. Members are encouraged to register for multiple courses to receive special discounted pricing.

Lodging information: A variety of hotel options to fit specific travel needs and budget are nearby. Visit TRI VILLAGE LODGING for a full list of options. For those looking to stay close to the facility, the following hotels are recommended (all are within six miles of Ohio University’s Dublin Campus): Columbus Marriott Northwest, Crowne Plaza Dublin, Embassy Suites Columbus-Dublin. Please note that the start time for the first day is 9 a.m.

AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity.

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Policies & Additional Information

1. Full attendance on both days is required for the course to count towards certification.

3. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Walk-in registration cannot be accommodated.

Thank you to our Leadership Circle Investors for your generous support:

2026 OEDI Workforce and Talent Core Course (27 Aug 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

2026 OEDI WORKFORCE AND TALENT COURSE

August 26 - 27, 2026

Note: The above dates are revised from earlier scheduling.

Ohio University - Dublin Integrated Education Center
6805 Bobcat Way | Dublin, Ohio 3016

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS END JULY 1, 2026

Course Description: This course covers the importance of workforce and and talent as a key economic development tool, as well as the key federal and state programs that support workforce. The course provides students with techniques to meet the job needs of both new and existing businesses. The course covers the changing demographic and economic dynamics of the workforce, best practices in Ohio and around the nation, JobsOhio workforce and talent programs, effective partnerships, the importance of data, and how local communities can leverage their resources into effective workforce programs.

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Course Topics:

Workforce development as part of the economic development strategy

Effective workforce development strategies

Effective employer strategies

Ohio workforce players: A Survey of the Field

Research on Ohio’s workforce

Community workforce strategies: Knowing Your Assets

K-12 and the Emerging Workforce

Industry Sector Partnerships

Ohio-specific information for intermediate and advanced practitioners

Designed in collaboration with JobsOhio and Ohio University

The most up-to-date industry information

Interactive learning focused on participant engagement

Networking opportunities with the top economic and workforce development pros

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Who Should Attend: This course is designed for all intermediate and advanced economic and workforce development practitioners, stakeholders and partners. In addition, elected officials and community leaders can benefit from learning about the importance of workforce for their community and how their community can structure a workforce program that meets employers’ needs.

Pre-Requisites: Because of the program’s rigor, attendees must have completed The Ohio Basic Economic Development Course or have three years of economic or community development experience.

Faculty: OEDI Core Courses are taught by experienced local, state, and national economic and workforce development practitioners. In addition to these lead instructor(s), each course has a unique faculty group made up on individuals who have been hand selected because of their subject matter expertise, leadership role in Ohio economic development, or role in the case studies utilized in the course.

Past Institute faculty has included representatives from: JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development, Ohio Means Jobs, Workforce Development Boards, employer human resource and workforce professionals, the six regional JobsOhio Network Partners, the International Economic Development Council, and Ohio universities.

Ohio Certified Economic Developer: OEDI courses are part of a comprehensive curriculum, but they can be taken singly. They also serve as the pathway to the Ohio Certified Economic Development (OhioCED) Credential. Individuals who successfully complete the five Core Courses, a project-based Capstone Course, and an additional 24 hours of electives, are eligible for the Ohio Certified Economic Developer or OhioCED.

Lodging information: A variety of hotel options to fit specific travel needs and budget are nearby. Visit VISIT DUBLIN for a full list of options. For those looking to stay close to the facility, the following hotels are recommended (all are within six miles of Ohio University’s Dublin Campus): Columbus Marriott Northwest, Crowne Plaza Dublin, Embassy Suites Columbus-Dublin, Residence Inn by Marriott. Please note that the start time for the first day is 9 a.m.

AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity. More information about AICP's CM program can be found at AICP Planning CM

Policies & Additional Information

Full attendance on both days is required for the course to count towards certification.
Cancellations must be requested in writing no later than 7 days prior to each course to receive a full refund. Please note that no refunds will be issued after this date and registrations not canceled and pending payment are responsible for full payment. As an additional option, you may submit a request in writing to transfer your registration to another student up to 7 days prior to the course.
Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Walk-in registration cannot be accommodated.
If the multiple course rate is selected, the registrant must register for and attend at least one additional OEDI core course in 2026. If the registrant does not register for and attend an additional course, a $50 fee will be assessed and an invoice will be sent to the registrant.

Thank you to our Leadership Circle Investors for your generous support:

2026 OEDI Real Estate Development Course (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

2026 OEDI REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCING CORE COURSE

September 24 - 25, 2026

Ohio University - Dublin Integrated Education Center
6805 Bobcat Way | Dublin, Ohio 43016

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Course Description: This course teaches the critical steps of real estate development and helps attendees develop a comprehensive understanding of how a deal progresses from concept to completion. Attendees will analyze the anatomy of a real estate deal and learn how each component stage impacts the next. The economic developer will build the knowledge they need to more thoughtfully approach securing and closing the deal and what comes after.

Knowledge: Participants will learn about the important stages in real estate development; from the earliest stages of due diligence to occupancy and property management. Participants will gain the knowledge they need to determine project feasibility, how to finance real estate development and redevelopment, and how to recognize and overcome the challenges to advancing a new development in their community.·

Network: This course provides a forum for economic development professionals to share information and build relationships with the best in the real estate industry. Unlike traditional lecture-style trainings, this course focuses on participant and presenter engagement and interaction. This course provides unmatched opportunities to dialogue with instructors, speakers, and colleagues.

Course Topics: The course is constantly being updated to keep current with emerging real estate development issues and trends. Some of the past topics include:

What Real Estate Development is Right for Your Community
Project Feasibility from a Market, Financial and Political Perspective. Understanding ownership structures.
The ABC’s of LLC’s
Public Private Collaboration and Partnership
Due Diligence & Construction – Knowing the Risks and How to Avoid Them.
The Financial Anatomy of a Deal – Building a Proforma.
Marketing, Occupancy, and Property/Asset Management: Showing it, Filling it and Selling it
Closing the Gap: What Programs from JobsOhio and Other Sources Can Help a Deal Come Together

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Past Institute faculty has included representatives from: JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development, the six regional JobsOhio Network Partners, and experienced development finance experts.

Registration: Early Bird Registration of offers a discount to the regular OEDA member registration. The early-bird registration period ends August 1, 2026 and all registration options increase to the regular fee. Members are encouraged to register for multiple courses to receive special discounted pricing.

Lodging information: A variety of hotel options to fit specific travel needs and budget are nearby. Visit VISIT DUBLIN OHIO for a full list of options. For those looking to stay close to the facility, the following hotels are recommended (all are within six miles of Ohio University’s Dublin Campus): Columbus Marriott Northwest, Crowne Plaza Dublin, Embassy Suites Columbus-Dublin, Residence Inn by Marriott. Please note that the start time for the first day is 9 a.m.

AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity.

Policies & Additional Information

1. Full attendance on both days is required for the course to count towards certification.

3. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Walk-in registration cannot be accommodated.

Thank you to our Leadership Circle Investors for your generous support: