For more than 50 years, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has led the nation’s economic development agenda. Each year, EDA publishes an annual report to showcase EDA projects impacting economic growth across the country. The report tells the story of what we do at EDA: build ladders of opportunity for all Americans.

During my tenure as Assistant Secretary, I have had the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses, and have found that we all share the common goal of improving our communities.

To help our communities succeed and meet 21st century demands, EDA, under the U.S. Department of Commerce’s “Open for Business” agenda, is modernizing the way economic development is done while building on our historical strength of helping distressed communities revitalize, expand, and upgrade their physical infrastructure.

Our 2015 annual report highlights some of our recent accomplishments. The report’s interactive map allows site visitors to quickly retrieve a summary of EDA's FY 2015 investments in any state. In addition, a case study of an EDA project that is having a high impact in every state and territory is also a feature of the map.

Of the approximately $238 million EDA invested in FY 2015 in locally-driven economic development projects nationwide, approximately $143 million was invested in construction projects that communities determined would enhance their local economic development efforts.

We have successfully developed and implemented regional innovation programs resulting in more than 100 regional innovation projects across the United States.

In every state and territory, EDA grants are working to advance global competitiveness, foster the creation of high-paying jobs, and invest public and private resources strategically. With just one click, communities can see the transformative projects EDA has made with local partners in their region and across the country.

To review the complete report, I encourage you to explore the online version by visiting www.eda.gov/annual-reports/