2027 Member Rate Adjusment FAQ

Why is the price of AAED membership increasing?

AAED is adjusting membership dues to ensure we have the resources necessary to continue delivering strong programs and services to our members while supporting the long-term sustainability and growth of the association.

Over the past several years, AAED has expanded our programs, resources, advocacy efforts, and member engagement. We also have ambitious plans for the future that will require additional staff, technology, and resources to execute well.

What is the new cost of membership?

Beginning January 1, 2027, the cost of Practitioner and Provider memberships will be:

  • Provider: $400, (previously $348)
  • Practitioner: $350 (previously $323)

All other membership categories will remain unchanged

Where does AAED's funding come from?

AAED’s is funded through three primary channels: member dues, sponsorships, and event and educational program net income. 

Maintaining multiple revenue sources allows AAED to support its work while reducing reliance on any single source of funding. At the same time, revenue sources can be volatile and may lag behind increased costs related to materials, food and beverage, venue rentals, health insurance, and inflation in general.  

    How has AAED added value to membership over the years?

    Since our last membership price adjustment, AAED has continued to strengthen the value of membership and invest in new ways to support Arizona’s economic development professionals, including:

    • Expanded Advocacy Efforts: Bill tracking on the AAED website, election information packets for ballot measures, as well as hosting the Legislative Agenda Summit with key economic development partners to discuss and coordinate priorities for the upcoming session.
    • AAED Scholarship Program: Assisting rural and tribal members to access professional development, education, and AAED programs.
    • Improved Member Onboarding: Strengthened the new member experience through the addition of Ambassadors and staff check-ins to ensure new members understand their benefits and find meaningful ways to engage with AAED.
    • Launching Virtual Education: Expanded access to education through the relaunch of webinars and virtual programming, making professional development more accessible to members across the state.
    • EcDev Leadership Lab: Launched a half-day advanced leadership training program designed to support economic development professionals later in their careers.

    These investments reflect our commitment to continually improving the member experience rather than simply maintaining the programs AAED has historically offered.

    How will AAED continue to invest in member benefits?

    AAED will need additional capacity to execute several initiatives that will directly benefit members and the broader economic development community.

    Planned investments include:

    • Expanding AAED Academy: Develop mid-career and advanced-career learning pathways to provide more specialized professional development opportunities as members progress in their careers.
    • Launching Virtual AZED Pro Courses: Launch virtual AZED Pro courses to enable self-paced AZED Pro certification or single-course professional development that is accessible to professionals across Arizona.
    • Economic Development Awareness: Develop educational programs to help public officials and elected leaders better understand the value and impact of economic development.
    • Advocacy Training: Help AAED members better understand the legislative process and effectively engage on issues affecting economic development.
    • Expanded Member-Only Benefits: Continue developing additional resources, programs, and opportunities available exclusively to AAED members.
    • Additional Staff Capacity: Hire additional staff to manage and support programs as AAED grows, allowing the association to increase its capacity without compromising the quality of member service.
    • Technology Investments: Invest in technology tools that improves content creation and management, design, communications, education delivery, and other areas of member engagement and association operations.

    When was the last time AAED adjusted the cost of membership?

    Prior to 2024, AAED had not adjusted membership fees for more than 10 years. During that time, we have continued to grow our programming, member services, advocacy efforts, and professional development opportunities while also experiencing increased costs for events, staff, technology, software, and other operational needs. 

    When will the new rate take effect?

    The new rates take effect January 1, 2027. 

    Membership renewals occurring before January 1, 2027 will be billed at the current rate. Renewals occurring on or after January 1, 2027 will be billed at the new rate. 

    When will I receive my invoice with the new rate?

    AAED distributes renewal invoices approximately 60 days before a member’s renewal date. 

    Beginning November 1, 2026, invoices for memberships renewing on or after January 1, 2027 will begin reflecting the new membership rates. 

    Can I renew early to maintain the current rate?

    Members with renewal dates between December 1, 2026, and January 31, 2027, have the option to renew early. If you renew your membership and pay your invoice before January 1, 2027, your renewal will remain at the current rate for an additional year. Renewals and payments occurring on or after January 1, 2027, will be billed at the new rate. 

    Who can I contact if I have questions about the membership adjustment or my renewal?

    Madison Leyvas 
    Member Engagement & Development Manager 
    madison@aaed.com 
    623-240-2233 ext. 2 

    Madison can help answer questions about your membership, renewal timing, billing, and the updated membership rates.