NEW MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE FOR 2026
What's Changing
Starting with your 2026 renewal, PDI is introducing a new membership structure designed to put YOU in control of your professional journey.
✔ Membership now belongs to YOU – It stays with you, even if your job changes.
✔ Focused on your professional growth – Access resources, training, and networking to advance your career.
✔ Flexible options – Individual memberships, group discounts, and associate memberships for organizations.
“My membership in the Professional Developers of Iowa is critical to the success of myself and my team. Timely updates on critical subject matters along with meaningful educational opportunities make PDI members a must for anyone charged with making their community or region better.”
~ Dan Culhane, CEcD, CCE, President & CEO, Ames Chamber of Commerce, Ames, Iowa
Which type of membership is right for you?
PDI’s more than 300 members come from a variety of disciplines: community, county and regional economic developers, community developers, utilities, legal and financial firms, universities, community colleges and representatives, engineering and construction firms, and rail transportation companies.
Economic Developer Membership
For professionals employed in an economic development-related role in Iowa.
Annual Dues: $375
Benefits:
- Individual ownership of membership
- Discounts on conferences and events
- Access to professional development resources
Group Membership
For teams of three or more Economic Developer Members.
Annual Dues:
- First two members: \$375 each
- Additional members: \$275 each
·Benefits:
- Same as individual membership
- Members must be paid by a single payer
- Cost savings for organizations supporting multiple members
Please contact director@pdiowa.com for more information on getting this option set up!
Associate Member
For organizations that support economic development (utilities, legal firms, universities, etc.).
Annual Dues:
- First two members: \$475 each
- Additional members: \$375 each
Benefits:
- Membership owned by the organization
- One designated representative receives event discounts
- Additional memberships available at discounted rates
Student
For undergraduate or graduate students pursuing economic development careers.
Annual Dues: \$50
Benefits:
- Affordable access to PDI resources
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals
Why This Matters?
This new structure aligns with PDI’s strategic commitment to your professional development. By making membership individual-owned, we ensure that your investment in growth stays with you—wherever your career takes you.
Ready to Unlock Your Potential?
Why You Should Join
Career and technical education have never been more important to building the economies of the 21st century. As a professional economic developer, you need to stay on top of your game and get support from peers who have been in the trenches. Professional Developers of Iowa provides members the latest in best practices, economic development trends and planning strategies.
Who Should Join PDI
If any part of your role is to help grow and develop Iowa's economic base, then a PDI membership is right for you! Our membership is comprised of professionals from a variety of disciplines: county and regional developers, community developers, marketing and communications, utilities, legal and financial firms, universities, community colleges, engineering and construction firms, and rail transportation companies.
Member Benefits
PDI strives to be your voice because we know—together—we are stronger in building Iowa’s economy.
Advocacy
PDI advocates for economic development on the local, state and national levels. Our members are represented at the State Capitol by professional lobbyists on issues important to our members. Gain insider information during the session through the bi-monthly Policy Perspectives newsletter and Monday morning legislative calls with PDI’s lobbyists.
Education
Education programs prepare you with the tools you need to do your job. Annually, PDI holds a one-day spring conference in conjunction with the SMART Conference and a three-day fall conference where members learn about trends and enhance their skills.
Additionally, membership allows your decision makers on your city councils and economic development board to attend educational events at member rates.
Scholarships
PDI offers a limited number of scholarships to members to provide educational opportunities to continue their expertise in the field each year. Priority is given to the following courses: Heartland Economic Development Course; International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Economic Development Courses; University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute (OU/EDI); and the National Development Council's Professional Certification Programs.
Industry Data
Member Survey PDI conducts a member survey which helps members compare what their organization is providing to peers in the state. The survey addresses salary and benefits, legislative issue and economic impact issues.
Networking
Connect with other economic development professionals to discuss issues, collaborate, and learn what is happening from the state association.
Communications
Stay tuned into the profession through the PDI Post , a monthly member newsletter, Policy Perspectives , the bi-monthly newsletter during session, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
COVID-19 Resources and Help
Members gain access to robust information on the impact of COVID-19
Knowledge Experts
PDI established an information mentoring program designed to help members no matter their experience in the profession. PDI offers seasoned members with expertise in many areas.
Resources
Do you need to understand TIF? Are you looking for tips for developing an industrial park or how to do a housing assessment? These are some of the resources members have access to within the PDI member portal.
