Community Development

Strong communities have many capable leaders and an actively engaged group of residents. Extension’s leadership programs help emerging leaders develop the knowledge, skills and vision needed to lead effectively in 21^st century communities. In addition, its cultural competence programs expand the capacity of community practitioners to work effectively in across diverse communities.

• Community Leadership Development
• Facilitative Leadership
• Navigating Difference

Equipping Indiana’s leaders, organizations and stakeholders with sound training in community and organizational planning is vital for community development. Participants in these programs are able to increase their confidence in facilitating productive meetings, writing effective grant proposals, serving on boards, developing strategic plans and contributing to the overall vitality of their communities.

• Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing
• Hometown Collaboration Initiative (HCI)

Growing and improving jobs in Indiana by championing thriving communities, a prosperous economy and a sustainable infrastructure is a goal of Purdue Extension. Economic & Business Development engages business and industry leaders to help recruit and support a team of professionals, both locally and regionally, to collaborate on policies and growth strategies in target sectors to drive economic growth for counties, regions and all of Indiana.

• Business Retention & Expansion
• Creating a Regional Entrepreneurship System Together
• Digital Ready Businesses

When local government leaders and citizens have the knowledge, skills and motivation to both plan for the future and respond to existing opportunities and challenges, communities are more resilient and thriving. Educational programs and resources offered as part of this thematic area help residents and local government leaders render more informed decisions and spur greater participation in local government activities.

• American Citizen Planner – Indiana
• On Local Government

Quality of place impacts the desirability, vitality and resiliency of the community. Quality Places Extension programs are designed to build the capacity of Indiana’s local stakeholders to enhance their communities’ quality of place, better manage their natural resources and improve their overall quality of life.

• Conservation Through Community Leadership
• Digital Ready Community
• Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces
• Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces: Creating Healthy Communities