Skip to main content

Community development

Blog Posts

Image of people working
Read article: New webinar series connects stakeholders to educators
New webinar series connects stakeholders to educators
In the past year, three new educators have joined the University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit team. This new team of six...
2023 ISPP Scholar MC Anderson stands by IBHE sign
Read article: In her own words: Maria Cynthia (MC) Anderson
In her own words: Maria Cynthia (MC) Anderson
As an ISPP Scholar, Maria Cynthia (MC) Anderson is appointed with the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Her work is...
2023 ISPP Scholar Alicia L. Ross Profile Image
Read article: In her own words: Alicia L. Ross
In her own words: Alicia L. Ross
As an ISPP Scholar, Alicia V. Ross is appointed with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic...
2023 ISPP Scholar Olwakemi Adeyemi sits at his desk
Read article: In his own words: Oluwakemi Adeyemi
In his own words: Oluwakemi Adeyemi
As an ISPP Scholar, Oluwakemi Adeyemi is appointed with the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus/ Black Caucus...
2023 ISPP Scholar Charles Emejuo at the STEM Expo - State Fair
Read article: In his own words:Chukwuemezie (Charles) Emejuo
In his own words:Chukwuemezie (Charles) Emejuo
As an ISPP Scholar, Chukwuemezie (Charles) Emejuo is appointed with the...
Profile picture of Richard Proffer, new Extension community and economic development educator
Read article: Richard Proffer hired as new Extension community and economic development educator
Richard Proffer hired as new Extension community and economic development educator
University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit is pleased to announce...
thriving downtown buildings
Read article: Bring life to empty downtown buildings
Bring life to empty downtown buildings
I’ve noticed that many of our rural Illinois communities have a vacant or derelict building in the heart of their downtown or on main street. While...
ISP Scholar Yasamin Khoshpour
Read article: In her own words: 2022 ISP Scholar - Yasamin Khoshpour
In her own words: 2022 ISP Scholar - Yasamin Khoshpour
As an ISP Scholar, Yasamin Khoshpour is appointed with the Illinois Board of Higher...

News Releases

Colorful mural on the Hello Peoria Building
Art and culture: A path to progress and community development
URBANA, Ill. — Artists, arts organizations and collectives, and arts activities, in general, can play a valuable role in economic and social development, as well as in the long-term sustainability of communities. Creating artistic spaces fosters connections across sectors to improve physical and...
Galena Illinois downtown storefronts
Bring life to empty downtown buildings
URBANA, Ill. – Many rural Illinois communities have a vacant or derelict building in the heart of their downtown or on main street. While the missed opportunities of a property sitting vacant seem basic, the concept is complicated. Intent, code, statute, and insurance classification may...
University of Illinois Students present design ideas for Peoria
U of I students share ideas to improve Peoria’s southside neighborhood
PEORIA, Ill. – Every minute of every day, our health is affected by the physical design of our homes, schools, workplaces, and indoor/outdoor community spaces. During the spring semester, University of Illinois Extension facilitated a sustained engagement between residents and community leaders...
Lesa Peterson receiving an award from Extension Director Shelly Nickols-Richardson
Pursuing excellence: Staff named Extension’s best
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension serves as a statewide network with a presence in every Illinois county, linking communities, businesses, and the public to the intensive research and resources of the university and its partners. Extension’s 650 staff members live in the...

Staff

Laura Payne

Laura Payne

Professor, Extension Specialist, Director of the Office of Recreation & Park Resources (ORPR)