Economic Recovery Corps
With over 500 host applications, SBPC was selected to participate in the first Economic Recovery Corps cohort alongside 65 other host sites and fellows leading innovative projects.
In partnership with the Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Resource Management and Sustainability (FARRMS) and the North Dakota Association of Electric Cooperatives Foundation, we’re thrilled to participate in the first Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) cohort!
With over 500 host applications, SBPC was selected to participate in the ERC cohort alongside 65 other host sites and fellows leading innovative projects. Officially starting in February 2024, the 65 ERC Fellows and Hosts will form a nationwide network of diverse practitioners and leaders with the passion, skills, and vision to advance new ways of doing economic development that promote transformative change and lead to a more just, equitable, and sustainable economy for all. The ERC Program has the potential to shift the practice of economic development nationwide in an unprecedented manner.
We were matched with Felicity Merritt as our Fellow for the next 2.5 years. In her role, Felicity’s work will center on cultivating a thriving food system, broadening food access, and fortifying the local economy. She will collaborate with partners across the state to shape regional strategies and drive project implementation.
Click below to learn more about Felicity and the project she is supporting.
About ERC
The ERC program is a multi-year, collaborative initiative designed to accelerate recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in distressed communities and regions throughout the U.S. by connecting organizations with the talent and capacity needed to advance new ways of doing economic development that promote economic resilience and transformative change. The ERC Program matched 65 Host sites nationwide with a dedicated Fellow, fully funded for 2.5 years, who will act as a field catalyst to build, strengthen, and coordinate relationships and local efforts alongside their host community. Fellows will receive robust professional development and training, equipping them with the network and tools to usher in a new era of economic development centered on equity.
The ERC is funded by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) under the CARES Act and led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in partnership with six leading national organizations:
Center on Rural Innovation (CORI);
International City/County Management Association (ICMA);
National Association of Counties Research Foundation (NACo RF) ;
National Association of Development Organizations Research Foundation (NADO RF);
National League of Cities Institute (NLCI); and
RAIN Catalysts.
Project Gallery
