Who We Are
Mission
The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) is the premier statewide professional economic development organization dedicated to advancing its members’ ability to achieve excellence in delivering economic development services to their communities and business clients. CALED’s membership consists of public and private organizations and individuals involved in economic development: the business of creating and retaining jobs.
CALED supports its members through information, technical assistance, training, education, and research. Begun in 1980, CALED has grown to over 800 members, representing cities, counties, state and federal agencies, economic development corporations, and the private sector. CALED, through its own programs and through its management of the California Academy for Economic Development, provides professional training to economic development professionals. Supportive research includes data development and analysis, modeling, and policy analysis. Specific projects focus on sustainable development, regional competition, financing, and technological support for economic development.
CALED also sponsored the creation of the California Enterprise Development Authority to provide low-cost financing alternatives to California nonprofits and manufacturers.