UMN Extension Community Development

Leadership and civic engagement staff, along with Extension Dean Bev Durgan, recently visited Kenya to celebrate the inaugural cohort of the Kisii Rural Leadership Program. Participants were honored at a graduation ceremony at Kisii University in early November.

Do you know a small biz facing transition, or that has already been through one? We're gathering stories about how small businesses transition to new owners and leaders. If you or someone you know might be willing to share their experience, please visit lnkd.in/eVY3NTv6.

Small towns thrive by blending tradition with innovation—diversifying economies, upgrading infrastructure, and celebrating heritage while embracing modern tech. Read more on how #rural communities are reinventing themselves: @jcshepard.aicp/small-towns-are-thriving-by-embracing-tradition-and-innovation-af035783f1ee" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">medium.com/@jcshepard.aic… #SmallTowns #planning #econdev

Today we honor the veterans in our community. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.🤍🇺🇸

If you enjoy our Side by Side podcast, we want to hear from you! Your feedback helps us shape future episodes and continue sharing meaningful conversations. Thank you for supporting us and being part of our community! 👉Share your feedback via survey: lnkd.in/gQUGzgXJ

Don't forget to join us at @redheadcreamery this Thursday for the 2nd Annual Agritourism Exchange! You'll hear from farm-based business owners and have plenty of time to network and check out resource tables. See you there! z.umn.edu/av37

Join us for our next Breakfast Info Bites webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 19! You'll hear how the University of Minnesota Rural Health Program is making an impact on the health and well-being of people and communities across Minnesota—and beyond. z.umn.edu/aur4 @UMN_CTSI

This year, the Tourism Center will feature its annual Research Showcase in a brand-new format—as pre recorded video presentations. Research project themes: economic impact of tourism, community tourism development, & outdoor recreation. We hope you enjoy! extension.umn.edu/tourism/2025-t…

New CRPD podcast! Luke Greiner joins to unpack rural Minnesota’s labor landscape & workforce trends. Listen👉 ruralmn.org/podcast/season… #RuralMN #Workforcec

Our CEO Julie Tesch recently joined @KerriMPR to weigh in on the importance of #RuralMentalHealth in MN communities. Hear her response (minute 69:00) 🎧 mprnews.org/episode/2025/1…

Ellen Wolter doesn't see #rural and urban communities as worlds apart. To her, a divide between the two spaces is more imagined than real. Learn about conversations that are bridging the two spaces. extension.umn.edu/community-news…

Minnesota's small towns aren't running out of assets— they're rediscovering them. Extension's John Bennett explains how a partnership with Ely, MN, aims to treat the community's homes & businesses as a collective legacy worthy of investment for the future. startribune.com/economic-devel…

Curious what's new across economic development, housing, workforce, rural and more? Our latest Quarterly Catch-up wraps up key research, analyses, and articles from all 12 Federal Reserve Banks from July to September. Check it out: fedcommunities.org/quarterly-catc…

Join us in Benson, MN on 11/6 for a Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities field trip! You'll hear how local vision and partnerships are sparking new energy in the town—from a renovated armory and reimagined children's museum to thriving local businesses. z.umn.edu/CEC_Benson

What happens when wealth leaves a community and never comes back? The Minnesota Transfer of Wealth study reveals how more than $61B could shift in 10 year—and how local philanthropy can capture it. Join us 10/27 for an exclusive preview of the 2025 update. extension.umn.edu/event/building…

New to leading meetings? Or want to become a better facilitator and meeting participant? If so, our series on growing your facilitation skills is for you! Our Nov. course will give you tools to successfully facilitate both in-person and online meetings. z.umn.edu/ardz

The recording of NCRCRD’s Sep 24 webinar, "Civic Engagement: The Good, the Bad, & the Learning" is now available. youtu.be/4-Dtwx-Ah6s Big thanks to the presenters from @UMN_Ext_CD program for sharing their valuable insights with us. #CivicEngagement #webinarrecording

#UMNProud of @UMN_Ext_CD's Ben Winchester for earning the Distinguished Extension Educator award at the All-Extension Conference 9/16 in Duluth. The Leading Economic Transformation program was also honored w/ the Distinguished Team award. Congratulations! z.umn.edu/DistinguishedA…

Did you know USDA Rural Development has an official @YouTube channel, bringing you inspiring stories and valuable resources from across rural America? It’s true! Explore playlists like "Success Stories," where you’ll hear firsthand from communities and individuals who are building a brighter future with support from USDA RD programs. Whether you’re looking for program information, want to learn about funding opportunities, or simply want to see the real-world impact of our work, our channel has something for you. Subscribe today and see how rural communities are thriving, one story at a time! Visit - @USDARD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">youtube.com/@USDARD #RuralDevelopment #USDA #SuccessStories #RuralAmerica

In the final episode of Side by Side season two, Civic Bridgers founder Libby Stegger and students Angelina Rueda and Sumaya Yassin discuss bridging across Minnesota's #rural, urban, and suburban spaces. z.umn.edu/SideBySideSteg…