Rep. Aguilar’s Bill to Expand EDA University Centers and Bolster Economic Growth Becomes Law
Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that his bill codifying the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) University Center Economic Development Program was signed into law by President Biden. This program will boost economic development, create jobs and promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
“This University Center program has shown that when universities, businesses and the federal government work together, we build a stronger economy and lower costs for hardworking Americans who are struggling,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “This program will support regional economic strategies to create better-paying jobs, promote entrepreneurship and support economic growth. I am proud to have led the effort alongside Senator Padilla to make this program permanent and ensure the economic benefits of regional cooperation reach communities with the greatest need.”
The University Centers for Growth, Development, and Prosperity (GDP) Act, co-led by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, was passed by Congress as part of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 and was signed into law by President Biden on January 4, 2025.
“Higher education institutions play an important role in growing our economy and driving entrepreneurship opportunities for community members,” said Senator Padilla. “The University Center program has been one of EDA’s most effective efforts to boost economic development, and I applaud President Biden for signing our legislation to make this program permanent and expand it to reach more communities.”
University Centers are federal partnerships that leverage higher-learning institutions’ research programs and technological resources to assist small businesses in regions experiencing economic hardship.
This law will expand the University Center program nationwide by creating a University Center at an Institute of Higher Education in all fifty states. This program expansion will encourage economic development in economically distressed regions currently underserved by existing University Centers.
Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.
