New Extension communications director advances mission of community, global outreach
URBANA, Ill. – For more than 100 years, University of Illinois Extension experts have worked in communities around the state providing research-based solutions for life’s everyday problems. In that time, Extension outreach efforts have evolved from community-focused in-person and mail...
Demographic changes result in increasing diversity in Illinois, new data presents
URBANA, Ill. — How do we determine the best ways for community and economic development in Illinois? How do you know what to vote for in the upcoming elections? The best place to start is in understanding demographic composition.
The 2020 decennial census revealed that...
Reclamation programs help communities transition abandoned mines
URBANA, Ill. — For more than 140 years, coal mining communities in 72 Illinois counties have helped to power the state. As Illinois pursues energy transitions, coal power plants have downsized and closed, leaving mines abandoned and communities without avenues to replace lost tax revenue and...
Extension webinar extols value of Illinois waterways
URBANA, Ill. – The value of waterborne commerce in the tri-state region of Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri in immense. The Heart of the Corn Belt handles enough freight tonnage to be ranked as the equivalent of the largest inland port in the nation.
In a free online webinar by...
Geothermal systems bring smaller footprint to scalable, renewable energy
URBANA, Ill. – As Illinois advances towards its goal of converting all energy systems to 100% renewable energy by 2050, it recognizes that other energy sources besides solar and wind are necessary to reach the state’s future demands.
Geothermal energy could be the key to replacing...
Bridge the digital divide: Strategies to adopt, deploy broadband in your community
URBANA, Ill. – Broadband technology enables residents to conduct business, work from home, attend school, drive innovation, and access remote healthcare services, but some rural and underserved urban Illinois communities with insufficient infrastructure or limited provider choices still find it...
Green infrastructure solutions aim to protect water supply
URBANA, Ill. – A highway of subterranean pipes channel fresh water to and sewage away from Illinois’ homes, businesses, schools and parks. Pipes also carry runoff from rainstorms and snowmelt. This runoff includes pollutants swept away from parking lots, construction sites,...
Repair, renovate, restore: How communities support growth with TIF funding
URBANA, Ill. – Tax Increment Funding (TIF) provides a way for municipalities to spur economic growth and make infrastructure improvements in qualifying economically stagnant or physically declining areas, designated as TIF districts.
TIF districts reallocate property tax funds while...
Social equity is ethical priority for public administrations
URBANA, Ill. – Questions about social equity in public administrations have long been debated. Do today’s professional environments have greater challenges related to diversity, or have the tensions and struggles remained unanswered since before the country’s founding?
A free online...