The Extension Institute of Community Development 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

Center for Cooperatives 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

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 communities

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Community Development Program Local Projects  |   Helpful External Resources

Community Development News and Announcements

• Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference 2025
  December 13, 2024
• Spring 2024 Broadband Regional Workshops
  April 8, 2024
• Volunteer Opportunity
  November 16, 2023
• County Launches $500k Child Care Grant Program
  August 21, 2023
• How to Be A Recovery Ally
  March 22, 2023

Growing Numbers of EV Chargers in Wisconsin
September 2024

Access to housing remains a challenge in southwestern Wisconsin
April 12, 2024

La Crosse County hopes to provide two generations with care at proposed intergenerational center
January 8, 2024

Wisconsin County Takes Step to Streamline Broadband Permitting
December 20, 2022

If you would like to learn more about Community Economic Development programming, contact us:

• Community Economic Development Program Manager: Brandon Hofstedt 
• EDA University Center: Kristin Runge
• Downtown and Business District: Bill Ryan
• Broadband: Gayil Huyck
• Community Vitality and Placemaking: Todd Johnson
• Energy On Wisconsin: Sherrie Gruder