Community and Economic Development (CED), helps communities navigate challenges and build a stronger future. With a team of faculty and staff—including experts from the College of Design and Liberal Arts and Sciences—CED engages with Iowans and Iowa communities to improve the quality of life through research-based programs, resources, and processes designed for each place.
What We Do
Our work focuses on people, place, resilience, and the environment—helping Iowa communities grow, adapt, and thrive.
CED specialists collaborate with county Extension offices, local governments, community organizations, and businesses to deliver programs that create real impact in key areas:
- Civic Engagement & Facilitation
- Community Leadership
- Local Government
- Housing
- Small Business Support
- Community Food Systems
- Data & Technology
Through hands-on initiatives that strengthen communities, support local leaders, and build resilience, we help Iowa thrive.
- Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS)
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Helping the College of Engineering and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach carry out their land-grant university mission to improve the quality of life in Iowa by enhancing the performance of Iowa industry.
- Viticulture
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Get information about Iowa's vineyard industry.
- Iowa Community Indicators Program (ICIP)
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ICIP provides data and research on local economic, demographic, and social trends for business and communities.
- Retail Trade Analysis
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Reports of recent and historical trends in the local retail trade sector by city.
- Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship
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The ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is a gateway that works in two directions. In one direction, ISU faculty, researchers, and students become connected to the entrepreneurial world. In the other, Iowa's business and entrepreneurial community gain access to an array of resources and information within Iowa State University.
- Data for Decision Maker Series
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Data on each county in Iowa including population demographics, education, retail sales, personal income, employment, occupation, housing, and family characteristics.
- Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
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The Iowa SBDC conducts research, counsels, and trains business people in management, financing, and operating small businesses, and provides comprehensive information services and access to experts in a variety of fields.
Community Websites
- Cass County Community Center - rental information for the fairgrounds community center and campgrounds!
- Cass County Iowa Government
- Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce
- Cass/Atlantic Development
- Cass County Towns and Cities
Cass County Schools
Libraries
- Atlantic Public Library
- Anita Public Library
- Cumberland Public Library
- Griswold Public Library
- Lewis Public Library
- Massena Public Library