Driving Economic Growth in Laredo and Beyond since 1966

Incorporated on November 17, 1966, the mission of the Laredo Economic Development Corporation is to promote and foster the economic and industrial development of the Laredo region. 

The Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) is an organization defined by its visionary leadership, recognized for its integrity and contributions towards the economic development and vitality of Los Dos Laredos. 

The Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) was first certified as the 17th Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) in the nation, first in Texas, by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2000. The LEDC has maintained its international standing with its most recent recertifications in 2014, 2018, and 2022, and is 1 of only 83 in the nation as an accredited economic development organization out of more than 11,000 in the country.

The LEDC and MileOne (a divison of the LEDC) were nationally recognized in 2023 with 2 Silver Awards at IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Award ceremony in Dallas, Texas, for its annual “Innovation in Economic Development Week” and “Entrepreneurship” (MileOne) programs, respectively.  Furthermore, IEDC’s Marketing Advisory Committee invited the LaredoEDC staff in March 2024 to participate and collaborate its efforts which were showcased as a model for other AEDO’s in the nation. 

In 2025, the Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) proudly received two distinguished Bronze Level Awards in the Excellence in Economic Development Awards program, organized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

LEDC was recognized in the following categories:

• Magazine & Newsletter – for its flagship publication, Border Insight: Laredo is on the Rise, which highlighted the city's growth and competitive strengths.
• Innovation in Economic Development Week (EDW) – for its initiatives during the 2024 Economic Development Week, showcasing the organization's collaborative efforts to promote the importance of economic development.

The awards were formally presented at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference, which took place from September 14 to 17, in Detroit, Michigan.

It’s important to note that these awards are not easily earned; the LEDC and MileOne team have worked diligently to shine on a global level.

The LEDC is profoundly thankful to its Board of Directors, members, and community stakeholders such as the City of Laredo, Laredo College, Workforce Solutions for South Texas and Webb County for their continued support and collaboration on this journey.  

Since 2011, the Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) has played a crucial role in enhancing the community's economic landscape. It has successfully facilitated nearly $1.5 billion in capital investments, leading to the creation of more than 6,600 new jobs, the retention of over 500 positions, and an increase of over $239 million in new expansions. 

There’s no doubt that the community's transformation over the past decade is a testament to the power of strategic planning and collaborative effort, showcasing how targeted investments can lead to substantial economic benefits. Through these efforts, the LEDC has helped position Laredo as a vibrant hub for commerce and industry, drawing attention from national and international investors. The focus on infrastructure improvements, workforce development, and community engagement has created a thriving ecosystem.

As Laredo continues to grow, the LEDC remains committed to its mission of economic empowerment, striving to create a prosperous future for generations to come.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers typically work for cities, counties, states, public-private partnerships, and chambers of commerce to promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding high-quality jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development work to develop vibrant communities.