The South West Shore Development Authority (SWSDA) is also known as the RDA (Regional Development Authority). Created by the Province of Nova Scotia in the mid 1990s, the RDA, equally funded by three levels of government, is the economic and community development arm of the municipal units in Shelburne and Yarmouth counties and Municipality of Clare. Its focus is helping the community increase economic stability and growth. Its board of directors has representation from all nine municipal units in the three counties and five business persons from the region. This union creates a shared focus on community economic development and provides equal access to the tools necessary for growth.