Regional Economic Development Alliance (REDA) Initiative

Backgrounder

In the mid 1990s, several ad hoc community partnerships existed in various regions throughout the Province. The provincial government recognized that if communities and their supporting partners joined together to form alliances, economic development within these regions could increase. Consequently, the province began exploring the idea of a coordinated process to increase regional economic development using provincially supported regional alliances. In 1998 the province conducted an independent study and initiated a pilot regional economic development alliance. This pilot alliance was the Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP).

Regional Alliance Strategy Initiative

Based on consultations by its former Self-Reliant Communities Committee, the Alberta Economic Development Authority (AEDA) advised the Premier in 1999, "Increasing self-reliance through strong regional strategic alliances is the key to ensuring that economic growth benefits all Albertans."

As a result the province:

  • Conducted an independent study on best practices in marketing techniques used by communities and regions to attract business and investment.
  • Partnered with AEDA to consult communities in five regions.
  • Reviewed the CAEP pilot project to develop a Regional Alliance Strategy Initiative in the fall of 2000.

The primary purpose of the Regional Alliance Strategy Initiative was to support the continued development of a provincial network of Regional Economic Development Alliances (REDAs). These alliances would enable regions to compete more effectively in a global marketplace and improve investment attraction, resulting in greater prosperity locally, regionally, and provincially.

REDA Support and Administration

Alberta Finance and Enterprise (AFE) fosters and supports development of REDAs in Alberta through its 12 regional development offices. These efforts are coordinated through the Regional Development Branch head office, located in Edmonton. Currently, over 255 communities are active members in one or more of the 14 REDAs in Alberta.

Through its advisory and facilitative role, AFE ensures the provincial government is supportive of regional economic development. AFE's Regional Development Branch takes a proactive role to meet with community leaders and potential partners to educate, engage and raise awareness of Regional Economic Development Alliances.

For more information about the Regional Economic Development Alliance Initiative, please contact:

    Date Updated: Sep 26, 2008
    RDP-1218