Why Become a UEDA Member
Connect • Learn • Lead in Economic Development
The modern economy is being shaped by talent, innovation, and place — and institutions that can harness these forces thrive. UEDA brings together higher education leaders, economic development practitioners, private partners, and public sector stakeholders to collaborate on real challenges, share best practices, and accelerate region-wide impact.
UEDA is more than a membership: it’s a community of impact-driven professionals shaping the future of university-led economic engagement.
What You’ll Gain as a Member
As a member of UEDA, you become part of an active and growing network of higher education and economic development stakeholders. UEDA positions your institution at the forefront by helping you influence policy, scale impact, and strengthen your regional ecosystem.
Strategic Connections
- Exchange insights with peers
- Build cross-sector partnerships with national economic development leaders
- Amplify institutional influence
Insights, Learning & Resources
- View free online programming and webinars
- Access to exclusive research, tools, and best practices
- Contribution of content to UEDA’s newsletter and publications
Professional Visibility & Recognition
- Post to the UEDA job board
- Submit unlimited Awards of Excellence nominations
- Collaborate on grants and regional initiatives
Events & Networking
- Access discounted rates for UEDA’s annual Summit
- View exclusive content from the UEDA Washington Conference
- Participate in roundtables and special-topic webinars
Exclusive Member Benefits
UEDA members gain access to nationally recognized platforms and networks that strengthen institutional strategy and execution.
Access to the APLU IEP University Designation Program
Through UEDA+, all public post-secondary UEDA member institutions are eligible to pursue the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) program – including institutions that are not APLU members.
What Members Receive:
- Access to the nationally recognized IEP University Designation Program
- Structured institutional self-assessment and strategic planning support
- Engagement with a national community of practice
- Peer exchange on economic engagement strategy and implementation
- Increased national visibility upon designation
There are currently more than 85 IEP-designated institutions. Through UEDA’s partnership with APLU, eligible member campuses can participate in the program and join this national network.
More information is located on the APLU IEP website. Questions regarding the IEP Program should be addressed to APLU’s Alvaro Muñiz and UEDA’s Marty Romitti.
Exclusive IMPLAN Benefits
IMPLAN and UEDA are joining forces to empower economic development professionals with the data and insights they need to drive meaningful change in their communities.
New users will get a 10% discount on their initial purchase of IMPLAN.
What Members Receive:
- Direct engagement with IMPLAN experts and peers
- Access to IMPLAN’s industry-leading economic impact modeling platform
- Exclusive discounts on subscriptions
- Tailored training and learning opportunities
More information can be found on the IMPLAN-UEDA hub.
Discounts on the Cost of Living Index
Universities are at the intersection of internal and external demands for data to support the local region and research. UEDA members have a unique opportunity to make Cost of Living Index (COLI) data available to your university for a discounted rate. COLI, published quarterly since 1968, is the most trusted and reliable source of cost of living data in the US. Many universities even help collect the data.
What Members Receive:
- An exclusive 50% discount on:
- Cost of Living Index (COLI): Compare regional affordability across housing, goods, and services using a nationally recognized standard.
- COLI Library Application and the Regional Economic Toolkit: Institution-wide access to datasets including current and historical COLI data, going back to 1990. Access to the State Business Incentives Database, State Business Expenditures Database, and Talent and Industry Mix Index (TIMI).
Putting Data into Action:
- Benchmark your region to peer cities
- Strengthen talent attraction and workforce strategies
- Support faculty research and student projects
- Inform institutional leadership and planning
- Enhance community and economic development partnerships
Who Benefits Most
UEDA membership is ideal for:
- Research Centers & Industry Associations
- Colleges & Universities
- Economic Development Organizations
- Local & Regional Governments
- Workforce Development Leaders
- Federal Labs & Agencies
- Private Sector Partners
These members use UEDA to accelerate economic engagement, align talent pipelines, foster innovation ecosystems, and build community-specific strategies for growth.
Ready to Join UEDA?
Organization Membership
This membership is for all singular higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, private sector businesses, and municipalities. This membership provides benefits to all employees at your physical location or campus branch and includes one voting member to UEDA.
$662 annual membership
Sustaining Membership
The Sustaining Membership Tier strengthens UEDA’s network and amplifies the collective voice of university economic development professionals. It supports UEDA’s mission by boosting revenue, deepening engagement with key partners, and increasing visibility for member leadership and investment. Ideal for institutions/organizations seeking greater visibility, deeper involvement, and a stronger role in shaping the future of university economic development.
$1,200 annual membership
Membership FAQs
Future Members
Who should become a UEDA member?
UEDA membership is ideal for universities, colleges, community and technical colleges, economic development organizations, workforce leaders, research centers, federal labs, and private-sector partners engaged in economic and community development.
Is membership individual or institutional?
UEDA offers institutional membership, allowing multiple staff members to participate in programming, events, and committees.
What makes UEDA different from other associations?
UEDA uniquely focuses on the intersection of higher education and economic development, connecting university leaders with regional and national partners to drive measurable impact.
Current Members
How do I renew my membership?
We will send renewal notifications beginning 90 days before the renewal deadline. These emails will include a link for your specific membership renewal page.
If you have any questions or issues with the renewal process, contact info@universityeda.org.
How can I change the primary membership owner?
You can change the primary owner of your membership by contacting us directly. Please email info@universityeda.org.
How can members get more involved?
Contact us at info@universityeda.org if you are interested in joining one of our Committees to support our annual Summit, membership, research, development, or the Awards of Excellence.
Check out our upcoming in-person and virtual events for collaborative opportunities with other members, as well as sponsorship and partnership opportunities.