Community Planning

Blog Posts

two kayakers paddle away from put-in on a placid river near bridge

Home First: A Resident-First Approach to Visitor Development

May 24, 2026

Many rural and small-town communities are encouraged to think about tourism in terms of branding, promotion, and attracting more visitors. Those...

Support your local grocer

January 29, 2026

Want to know a secret? Your local, independent grocer loves you. Truly. They love your hometown, your traditions, your Friday-night ballgames, and...

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...

view of small pond with cattails and floating log from shore

Take advantage of living in a small pond

October 3, 2025

For young adults or their parents, small towns may not seem like the most exciting places to live compared to the big city. However, they offer...

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News Releases

A dark tornado is twisting through rural fields and a two lane road.

July 2, 2026

Comment Period for the DRAFT Henderson County All Hazards Mitigation Plan is Now Open
Gladstone, IL-Henderson County is collaborating with the University of Illinois Extension and the Illinois State Water Survey to update the Henderson County All Hazards Mitigation Plan. The Hazard Mitigation Planning Team is asking anyone residing in Henderson County to...

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...

March 4, 2026

Plant a tree in Woodford County, help the planet
Carlock, Ill. – Woodford County is looking for volunteers to help with planting a grouping of 25 oak trees at Parklands Chinquapin Bluffs in Woodford County with the goal of tackling global issues at the local level. Carbon neutrality...

Woman with a box of tomatoes standing in front of a stocked food pantry

February 16, 2026

University of Illinois Extension – Lake County to Host “Find Food. Share Support.” Training for Community Service Providers
 Grayslake, IL — University of Illinois Extension in Lake County will host a hands-on professional development session, “Find Food. Share Support" on March 25 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Extension Auditorium, located at 100 S US Hwy 45,...

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