U.S. Economic Development Administration

In 1965, Congress passed the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (PWEDA), which authorized the creation of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to generate jobs, help retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically troubled areas of the United States. EDA assistance is available to rural and urban areas of the United States experiencing high unemployment, low income, or other severe economic distress. The Economic Development Administration facilitates regional economic development efforts in communities across the nation. EDA works with communities across the country on regional economic development strategies to attract private investment and create jobs in economically distressed areas of the United States.