PDI ConnectED
Thank you for submitting an application for PDI ConnectED.
Following the submission deadline, a member of the PDI ConnectED committee will be in contact.
If you have any questions, please email us at director@pdiowa.com
Elevating the Profession. Strengthening the State.
PDI ConnectED is an intensive, 1-year cohort program that combines Iowa-specific technical training with high-level mentorship.
Participants won’t just learn “how to do economic development”—they will learn how to do economic development in Iowa, with the tools, agencies, and relationships that define our state’s approach to growth. The program will be fully funded the first year and free to participants. Following years, program fees will be $2,750.
Why PDI ConnectED Matters
PDI ConnectED is a selective, mid‑career professional development program designed to strengthen Iowa’s economic development talent pipeline. Built specifically for Iowa practitioners, the program moves beyond theory to deliver the practical, state‑specific expertise required to lead complex projects and drive real results in communities across the state.
Many economic developers enter the profession with strong foundational training. Programs like Heartland provide essential grounding—but after those first years, a gap often emerges.
Mid‑career professionals are expected to manage increasingly complex projects, yet they may lack deep familiarity with Iowa‑specific tools, funding mechanisms, legislation, and stakeholder dynamics. The result can be slower project timelines, overreliance on state agencies for basic technical assistance, and missed opportunities for local communities.
2026/2027 Session Dates & Topics
| October 21, 2026 | The Iowa Ecosystem & Mapping the Win |
| November 18, 2026 | Stakeholders & The Art of "No" |
| January 20, 2027 | The Iowa Incentive Toolkit (IEDA & TIF) |
| February 17, 2027 | Legislative & Public Finance (Tax Levies) |
| PDI Spring Conference | In-Person Spring Meet-Up |
| April 21, 2027 | Infrastructure, DOT & Site Readiness |
| May 19, 2027 | Project Management & RFP Mastery |
| August 18, 2027 | The "Capital Lasagna" (Financial Stacking) |
| PDI Fall Conference | Graduation at PDI Fall Conference |
PDI ConnectED was created to bridge that gap.
Program Goal & Structure
To graduate professionals who don’t just understand economic development in theory—but who understand the reality of doing business in Iowa, from stacking capital to navigating local finance levies and state incentive programs.
PDI ConnectED is a rigorous, 12‑month cohort‑based program that combines advanced technical instruction with structured mentorship from experienced Iowa economic developers.
Who is Eligible
Economic development professionals with two or more years of experience and completion of foundational coursework.
Prerequisites
- Completed an Economic Development 101–level course (e.g., Heartland Economic Development Course or equivalent).
- Have at least two (2) years of professional experience in economic or community development.
PDI ConnectED Sponsors
