Community Development

Community Development Programs

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.

Center for Community & Economic 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

a farmer's market

Community Food Systems

Working with community organizations, tribal partners and local governments to promote community food systems development

A government building

Local Government Education

Coordinating and providing training and workshops for newly elected local government officials and those who continue to serve their communities

a group of people meeting

Organizational & Leadership Development

Helping people who want to provide leadership to bring about change in their organizations and community

Photos of workshop participants

UW Center for Cooperatives

Seeking to increase understanding about cooperatives by fostering scholarship and learning among academics, the cooperative community, policy makers, and the public.

New Resources

The UW–Madison Division of Extension is committed to providing educational resources to meet the needs of communities in Wisconsin.

Server stack in data center

Data Center Basics

Community & Resource Considerations

The Role of Local Government in Permitting & Zoning Data Centers

AI Principles

Practical Applications & Ethical Considerations

Effective Prompting

Featured Events

Rows of solar panels in a field

Multiple Dates in 2026 and 2027

Renewable Energy Academies

Are you a local leader who wants to learn about large-scale wind and solar siting? Attend an in-person regional Renewable Energy Academy hosted by UW-Madison Extension and collaborators.

Aerial view of a rural community in WIsconsin

November 10, 2026

Southwestern Wisconsin
Housing Summit

Join community leaders, housing professionals, local officials, and regional partners for a full‑day gathering focused on understanding and addressing the region’s most pressing housing challenges. 

AI for Nonprofits: Practical Tools for Impact

Join us for an engaging and practical session designed to provide a clear, accessible introduction to AI and highlight real-world applications that can help nonprofits save time, strengthen outreach, and improve effectiveness.

All Upcoming Events

 


 

Latest News

Director

Photo of Lindsay

Lindsey Day Farnsworth

Lindsey Day Farnsworth is the Director of the Community Development Institute.