YCEDC staff recently attended the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Legislative Summit held in Washington, D.C. The main focus of the Summit was President Bush's proposed budget and its impact on economic and community development. The centerpiece of the President's economic development program is his Strengthening America's Communities Initiative. The initiative consolidates 18 existing programs and cuts federal funding for economic development by 30%.

Working on behalf of economic development organizations nationwide, IEDC will be promoting the following legislative priorities with Congress over the coming weeks and months:

• Fully Fund Economic Development Programs
• Pass Opportunity Zone Legislation
• Beef up the Brownfield Programs
• Support our Workforce
• Strengthen American Manufacturers
• Reauthorize Transportation Funding
• Invest in Research and Development
• Vote Yes on Tax Incentive Legislation

During the Summit, IEDC members had the chance to meet with their respective Senators and Congressman in their Capitol Hill offices. YCEDC had the opportunity to meet with Congressman Todd Platts to discuss how the Federal Budget for 2006 could affect economic development, and therefore economic prosperity, here in York County. Issues discussed included:

• How federal investments in economic development creates a climate where people can prosper
• Redevelopment of Brownfields and how this attracts private investment and curbs sprawl
• Workforce Development and its important relationship with our education system
• Tax Incentive Legislation and how it promotes private reinvestment
• Manufacturing and the resources local companies need to help them stay competitive in a world economy
• Transportation and how it supports a vibrant economy
• Research and Development and why these programs need to be strengthened and supported.

Congressman Platts has pledged to continue to fight for the interests of the 19th District. YCEDC will continue to work with the Congressman and his staff over the coming weeks to help develop a more robust understanding of the local impact of federal budget decisions. The IEDC is an invaluable resource in this regard.

The IEDC is a non-profit member organization dedicated to helping economic developers do their job more effectively and raising the profile of the profession. The IEDC is the world's largest economic development organization with over 4,500 members across the United States, as well as Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and other nations.