Community Development

Events

From Seed to Sale

June 15, 2026

County

Montgomery

Buy Local

June 29, 2026

County

Montgomery

Health and Community Wellness

August 14, 2026

County

Franklin

Blog Posts

Placemaking: Building community around the places we share

April 21, 2026

What makes a town feel like home? One key indicator of a strong, resilient community is placemaking. The...

People sitting at a table with one person speaking

Manito Revive & Thrive community meetings makes for village revitalization

March 12, 2026

What began as a simple phone call from Jerald Schier, Manito village trustee, in Spring 2024 grew...

Scrabble pieces spelling the word Leadership

Community Leadership for Rural Illinois

November 3, 2025

In the realm of community development, discussions about creating leadership opportunities in rural American communities abound. Some advocate for...

hand with marker drawing arrows pointing toward word "audience"

Boost your brand: Marketing for small-business owners

September 3, 2025

Running a small business is no easy feat. With a never-ending to-do list, promotional planning often takes a backseat. Unfortunately, this lack of...

More Blogs

News Releases

June 8, 2026

Community Questions, Clear Answers: Flooding, Facts, and Misconceptions
It can sometimes be confusing to understand who is responsible for what within state and local government. With information coming from many different sources, it can be difficult to determine what is accurate and who is responsible for specific issues. To help provide clarity, Illinois...

Saline County SPIN Club participants stand in the SIC welding shop.

June 3, 2026

Sparks Fly in Saline and White County 4-H Welding SPIN Clubs
Youth in Saline and White Counties had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one of the most in-demand skilled trades through the 4-H Welding SPIN Clubs offered this spring. The clubs provided participants with an introduction to welding safety, equipment operation, and basic welding...

Six people, some wearing branded University of Illinois apparel, stand inside a greenhouse

April 24, 2026

“The kitchen table of the University:" Statewide tour highlights Extension’s local impact
JOLIET, Ill. — From neighborhood gardens to community partnerships, University of Illinois Extension is helping residents access research-based solutions close to home. Members of the Illinois Extension leadership team saw that work firsthand during...

March 16, 2026

Illinois Extension launches Spring Wellness Workshop Series in McLean County
Bloomington, Ill.-Spring is the season for renewal— and University of Illinois Extension is helping greater Bloomington-Normal area residents reconnect, recharge, and grow with a new four‑week workshop series that offers simple, meaningful ways to strengthen personal and...

More News

Videos

From Farm to Community: The Impact of IL-EATS.

Through IL-EATS, Illinois farmers and food access partners came together to strengthen local food systems while feeding their communities. This video shares their experiences and highlights how the program expanded markets, increased access to fresh, local food, and built a more resilient supply...

Community Benefits Program

Your community is not at the whim of renewable energy developers. Companies who want to build in your area are often obligated to partner with you to provide economic and community development benefits. Join this webinar to learn more about these Community Benefits programs and how you can make...