Community Development
Extension’s Community Development Institute provides educational programming to assist leaders, communities, and organizations realize their fullest potential. We work with communities to build the vitality that enhances their quality of life and enriches the lives of their residents. We educate in leadership development, organizational development, food systems, community economic development, local government education and much more. In short, the Community Development Institute plants and cultivates the seeds for thriving communities and organizations.
Community Development Programs
Seeking to increase understanding and encourage critical thinking about cooperatives by fostering scholarship and mutual learning among academics, the cooperative community, policy makers and the public
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
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
Did You Know
Many people already know of our popular programs, but did you know that we also:
- provide access to facilities and technical assistance for aspiring food processors and other food & farm entrepreneurs
- educate about making your community aging friendly
- help expand the research and knowledge base for local government education
- And much more! Check with your local office for more programs near you.
Community Development Updates
Upcoming Events
Community Development Publications
The Learning Store produces and distributes educational materials based on university research, extending knowledge to the statewide community.
Featured Publication
No-Box Thinking offers a framework for understanding the automatic and powerful resistance to change those engaged in community development often face. This book details how to convert the powerful sources of community change resistance—identity, emotion, and social connections—into powerful forces for transformational change (105 pages; 2018).
View Related Topics on the Learning Store
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Find Your Local Office
Extension experts live and work in the communities they serve. Our team offers insight and solutions based on a deep understanding of local needs and priorities.
A Part of the Agriculture, Natural Resources & Community Development Program Area
Extension’s Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources & Community Development creates a bridge between Wisconsin’s ag and the environmental resources with the people that use them. We help producers, farmers, and businesses build stronger and more diverse farm and food systems. With communities and regions, we work hand-in-hand to support land and water resource needs.
Director – Community Development Institute
Benoy Jacob
432 N Lake St Rm 627
Madison, WI 53706-1415
