Community Development
Community Development
The Extension Institute of Community Development plants and cultivates the seeds for thriving communities and organizations. Backed by University of Wisconsin research, the Community Development Educator works with local government, civic organizations, non-profit organizations, businesses, and community leaders to enhance local decision-making and help communities respond to new challenges and opportunities. As facilitators, the Community Development Educator works in partnership with local people and organizations to meet identified local needs.
Local Community Development Highlights
Informed Decision Making/Data for Decision Makers
Informed Decision Making/Data for Decision Makers List of Resources
Leadership & Organizational Development
Extension works alongside leaders to strengthen their organizations and their impact. Coalition, nonprofit, government, and community leaders can engage educators across Wisconsin.
Local Government
Facilitating collaboration, local leadership development and community-based problem-solving.
Statewide Community Development Programs
Applied Population Lab
The Applied Population Lab provides information solutions through a unique set of skills that unites applied demography, health geography, spatial analysis, information systems, planning, and community development.
Center for Cooperatives
Fostering critical thinking and understanding about cooperatives.
Community Food Systems
Working with community organizations, tribal partners and local governments to promote community food systems development.
Community Economic Development
Collaborating with and providing resources for community leaders to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for Wisconsin residents.
Local Government Education
Coordinating and providing training and educational workshops for newly elected local government officials and those who continue to serve their communities.
Organizational & Leadership Development
Helping people who want to provide leadership to bring about change in their organizations and community.
Broadband
This Broadband Toolkit prepares Wisconsin communities to increase broadband access for all by engaging local stakeholders in the planning process and developing a comprehensive implementation strategy.
Wisconsin Monthly Economic Update
Upcoming Events
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
Green Lake, Wisconsin
May 13-15, 2026
Waves of Inspiration, Ripples of Change
Calling all rural and small town entrepreneurs, economic
developers, and community champions! Not your
typical conference, CEC is a smalltown showcase,
bringing together entrepreneurs and leaders from
Wisconsin’s small towns for experiential learning across
the City of Green Lake, WI. CEC is Wisconsin’s statewide
event for rural entrepreneurs and people who want to
support local business for the prosperity of Wisconsin’s
small towns and rural communities!
CEC 2026 will Feature:
- A Keynote by Craig Culver, CEO of Culver’s Restaurants
- 14 programming sessions about starting and supporting local business in small towns
- Boat Tours on the deepest lake in Wisconsin
- A Plein Air Painting Contest by Wisconsin’s creative entrepreneurs
- Office hours with business development specialists
- Networking opportunities with 200+ rural and small town leaders and business owners
Plein Air Festival
Green Lake, Wisconsin
May 14th 2026, 9AM-6PM
