The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) has announced that Katie Milton Jordan, founder and CEO of SimpleEDO.ai, will deliver a keynote address and moderate a panel at the 2026 PDI Fall Conference, taking place September 23-25 in Burlington, Iowa.

PDI is the statewide professional association for economic development practitioners in Iowa, and its conferences are a regular gathering point for the state's development community.

Themed "Flowing at the Speed of Change: Economic Development, AI, and Community Readiness," the conference will bring together Iowa's economic development professionals to examine the forces reshaping local economies and the practical steps communities can take to prepare for future challenges.

A Focus on AI and Human-Centered Execution

Jordan's participation will center on the intersection of artificial intelligence, economic development, and human-centered execution. Her work focuses on helping mission-driven organizations move beyond AI experimentation and build governed workflows that lead to better decisions, stronger teams, and measurable results.

"The most important AI conversations are not really about software. They are about readiness – whether leaders have the systems, judgment, and shared language to turn change into community advantage," Jordan said.

Her keynote and panel are expected to offer practical strategies for integrating AI in a way that respects the human element of economic development. Her insights come as professionals across the country grapple with how to adopt new technology without sacrificing local judgment, institutional knowledge, or the human relationships foundational to development work.

Conference Agenda

The agenda will cover a range of topics, including:

• Downtown redevelopment
• AI's impact on economic development
• Disaster preparedness
• Data-center growth
• Childcare solutions
• Legislative updates
• Community readiness

The conference is a key event for Iowa's economic development community, providing a platform for sharing best practices and addressing pressing issues. Data-center growth and childcare solutions are particularly timely, as communities nationwide deal with the rapid expansion of technology infrastructure and the need for supportive services to attract and retain a skilled workforce. Disaster preparedness and legislative updates are also critical components, ensuring local leaders are informed and ready to respond to both natural and policy-driven changes.

Jordan's Background

Jordan's experience includes work as an economic development executive, Certified Business Intermediary, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor. Through SimpleEDO.ai, she works with economic development organizations, chambers, regional partnerships, and other mission-driven teams operating under real public, budget, and capacity constraints. Her approach helps leaders avoid what she calls "AI theater" and instead implement governed, human-accountable workflows that produce tangible outcomes.

Burlington as Host City

The choice of Burlington, Iowa, as the host city underscores the conference's focus on community readiness. Burlington, a Mississippi River city in southeast Iowa and the seat of Des Moines County, like many smaller cities faces unique challenges in adapting to technological change while preserving its local character. The conference aims to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge to navigate these transitions effectively.

For more information about the conference, visit PDI's website. To learn more about Katie Milton Jordan and her work, visit her website.

The PDI Fall Conference represents an important opportunity for economic development professionals to engage with the latest trends and share strategies for building resilient communities. Jordan's involvement highlights the growing importance of AI literacy in the field and the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes human oversight and community values.

Source: Citybuzz