The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) has announced that Katie Milton Jordan, founder and CEO of SimpleEDO.ai, will deliver a keynote and moderate a panel at the 2026 PDI Fall Conference, scheduled for September 23-25 in Burlington, Iowa. The conference theme, 'Flowing at the Speed of Change: Economic Development, AI, and Community Readiness,' will bring together Iowa economic development professionals to examine the forces reshaping local economies and the practical work required to prepare communities for future challenges.
Jordan's participation underscores a growing recognition that artificial intelligence is not just a technological tool but a strategic force that can transform economic development practices. Her expertise lies in helping mission-driven organizations move beyond AI experimentation and implement governed workflows that support better decision-making, stronger teams, and measurable results. This perspective is crucial as communities across the nation grapple with how to integrate AI into their development strategies without losing the human judgment and institutional knowledge that are essential to effective economic development.
The conference agenda will address a wide range of topics, including downtown redevelopment, AI's impact on economic development, disaster preparedness, data-center growth, childcare solutions, legislative updates, and community readiness. Jordan's participation places her in conversation with professionals who are confronting the same questions that face communities across the country: how to adopt new technology while preserving local control, community values, and the relational fabric that underpins successful development projects.
In a statement, Jordan emphasized that the most important AI conversations are not fundamentally about software but about readiness—whether leaders have the systems, judgment, and shared language to turn change into community advantage. This sentiment reflects the broader theme of the conference, which aims to equip economic development professionals with the tools and insights needed to navigate an increasingly complex and fast-paced environment.
The event will take place in Burlington, Iowa, from September 23-25, 2026. More information is available at pdiowa.com. Jordan's work can be explored further at katiemiltonjordan.com.
Jordan, who holds an MBA and certifications as a Certified Business Intermediary and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as an economic development executive. Her company, SimpleEDO.ai, focuses on helping economic development organizations, chambers, regional partnerships, and other mission-driven teams integrate AI into their operations in a responsible and effective manner. By emphasizing human-accountable workflows, Jordan aims to help these organizations achieve measurable outcomes while maintaining the trust of their communities.
The inclusion of AI and economic development thought leadership at this year's conference highlights the urgent need for public-sector professionals to understand and leverage technological advancements. As data centers and other tech-driven industries continue to grow, communities must be prepared to handle the associated challenges and opportunities. Jordan's insights will be invaluable in guiding attendees through these complex issues, ensuring that Iowa remains competitive in an increasingly digital economy.
