Hosted by the Yale School of Management’s Economic Development Club, the Symposium brings together students, practitioners, policymakers, and private-sector leaders to discuss how localized action can drive national progress.

As global systems undergo turbulence and funding priorities shift, the future of economic development is increasingly shaped at the local level. This year’s Symposium explores how cities, states, tribal nations, and regions are charting their own course—reimagining funding models, revitalizing downtowns, forging international partnerships, and building resilient, innovation-driven economies. The program focuses on how localized leadership can seize emerging opportunities amid policy uncertainty, with particular attention to diversification, infrastructure transformation, and community-led innovation clusters that link development to global investment trends.

Location: Yale University, Evans Hall, 165 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511

CEDAS members qualify for the discounted “Community Member” registration rate. Register here.