This report presents the findings of an online survey conducted in March 2025 among LEDO/REDO members of the Indiana Economic Development Association (IEDA). This initiative was a collaboration between Purdue University’s Office of Engagement, the Purdue Center for Regional Development, and the IEDA. The survey aimed to collect annual data from IEDA LEDO/REDO members regarding their staffing, budgets, economic development activities and priorities, as well as emerging issues and opportunities.
Following the removal of duplicates, 58 valid responses were analyzed. This represents 47% of those invited to participate. Individual responses are not disclosed in this report. The survey inquired about activities undertaken during the 2024 calendar year.
The key findings offer insights into the characteristics and operations of the responding organizations. A majority identified as public-private partnerships, and the largest segment reported annual operating budgets between $250,000 and $499,999. The survey also gathered information on strategic planning, regional affiliations, staffing levels, and perceptions of support and collaboration. Furthermore, it explored the allocation of effort across different types of projects, the reported impact in terms of RFPs, job creation, and investment, the primary challenges encountered, and areas of interest for professional development, including perspectives on the READI initiative. The subsequent sections will provide a more detailed analysis of these results.
FULL REPORT