Skip Navigation
Iowa State University Extension

Topics

Extension Information

Community Vitality Center
Geospatial Training

Community Economic Development

Community Economic Development Highlights

Program Builder
A new interactive online service of ISU Extension Community and Economic Development allows community leaders to design their own programs for assistance.

Community Matters
A newsletter for local leaders interested in helping their communities advance with the times. Read the current issue online or check the archives.

Exploritas Programs Offer Tourism Opportunities
Discover Iowa’s communities. Exploritas programs often visit people or places that are not accessible to the public. Persons age 55+ can participate in these educational travel programs and learn about Iowa in a new and fascinating way.

Programs for Communities -- An overview of programming delivered by ISU Extension Community and Economic Development campus and field specialists.

Community Economic Development News

CIRAS Celebrates 50 Years Serving Iowa Business, Industry
(Posted on 6/7/2013)
With an official proclamation from Gov. Terry Branstad, the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Center for Industrial Research and Service is celebrating 50 years of service to Iowa business and industry.
Nonprofit Workshops Offer Incentive for Attendees
(Posted on 5/21/2013)
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Linn County is offering educational discounts to nonprofit professionals and organizations.  The remaining 2013 Nonprofit Management Academy workshops will be offered at a reduced rate — three workshops for the price of two.
Farm Poll: Farmer Philanthropy Important to Community Development
(Posted on 5/14/2013)
Iowa’s farmers are substantially involved in philanthropy, donating their time and money to organizations, causes and charities they believe in, according to the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll. Many rural communities are beginning to depend on these philanthropic efforts as an important part of local community and economic development.
Geospatial Technology Program Offers ArcGIS 10.1 Courses
(Posted on 5/8/2013)
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Geospatial Technology Program is offering two geographic information systems short courses this summer on June 13-14 and Aug. 22-23.
Beyond Simple Mapping: GIS Workshops in May
(Posted on 5/6/2013)
“Beyond Simple Mapping with GIS” workshops at Iowa State University will focus on physical planning and the built environment, land use and zoning, and smart growth and urban sprawl.
Host a 2013 Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Workshop
(Posted on 5/3/2013)
Communities, local food networks and county extension offices have the opportunity to schedule Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) workshops for local growers.
We Lead Helps Bring Skilled Iowa Initiative to West Liberty High School Students
(Posted on 4/22/2013)
Thanks to West Liberty Economic Area Development, Iowa Workforce Development and West Liberty High School, juniors were able to take ACT’s National Career Readiness Certificate exam. This project was initiated through We Lead to help students better understand the workforce skills they possess and help West Liberty determine a baseline to identify gaps in the local workforce’s skills.
2013 Nonprofit Management Academy Offered in Linn County
(Posted on 4/17/2013)
Iowans seeking professional development in nonprofit management can register now for the Nonprofit Management Academy. The next course is April 25 and classes continue monthly in Cedar Rapids through November.
 
Webster City Bass Farm Generating Interest in Iowa Aquaculture Hub
(Posted on 4/12/2013)
A Webster City business, Iowa’s First, has taken a proactive approach to circumventing the economic losses in livestock production by moving into fish farming. Mark and Jeff Nelson are producing hybrid striped bass in their unused hog facility. With the assistance of ISU Extension and Outreach they hope to create an aquaculture hub in central Iowa.
Sustainable Agriculture Organization the Focus of Iowa Learning Farm's April Webinar
(Posted on 4/10/2013)
Andy Larson, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialist in small farm sustainability is the April 17 presenter for the Iowa Learning Farms' monthly webinar. Larson’s presentation will explore grantsmanship with Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education organization.