Economic Development Administration (EDA) Center @ UIC

University Center Program

The US Economic Development Administration (EDA) designated the UIC Voorhees Center an EDA University Center, making a five-year investment beginning October 1, 2016, to help promote economic development in the Chicago Region. The EDA University Center @ UIC joins more than 40 university centers across the nation.

The mission of the EDA is to lead Federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

EDA’s University Program leverages the resources located within colleges and universities to support regional economic development strategies in regions of chronic and acute economic distress. University Centers make the resources of universities – including specialized research, outreach, technology transfer, and faculty expertise – available to the economic development community.

In line with the EDA mission, the EDA Center @ UIC’s purpose is to promote green industrial development in the Chicago Region with an initial focus on the Calumet Corridor in Southeastern Cook County. By leveraging higher education assets and conducting applied research and technical assistance, the Center facilitates the creation and dissemination of innovative green economic development strategies and practices that promise to yield sustainable growth and job creation in the region.