University of Oregon & Northeast Oregon Economic Development District Case Study
By National Association of Development Organizations
This case study examines the long-standing collaboration between the University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research and Engagement (IPRE) and the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD). As a designated U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) University Center, IPRE leverages university resources to assist rural and frontier communities through technical expertise, student engagement, and research. The study explores three key initiatives—Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) updates, the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program, and the Oregon Partnership for Disaster Resilience (OPDR) Program—which demonstrate how universities and EDDs can collaborate to promote economic capacity, disaster preparedness, and workforce development.