OREGON, Ill.— Illinois Extension is launching a new round of Community and Economic Development webinars this February, offering Illinois residents, local leaders, and regional stakeholders timely insights into major economic shifts shaping the state. The series highlights two fast‑evolving areas of opportunity: inland port development across the Upper Mississippi Region and the rapid expansion of data centers throughout Illinois.
Corn Belt Ports & Regional Development Webinar – February 12 at Noon
The first webinar takes place on February 12 at 12 p.m. and will provide an in‑depth look at new investments, emerging initiatives, and the growing economic influence of inland ports in the Midwest.
Participants will hear updates on:
- The inaugural meetings of the Illinois River Cities and Towns Initiative (IRCTI)
- The Green Marine Highway Initiative (GMHI)
- Additional rural regional port initiatives supporting freight mobility and economic growth
Just a few years ago, the Corn Belt had no federally recognized inland ports. Between 2020 and 2022, four new top‑ranked regional Corn Belt Ports were established and federally recognized—an unprecedented development in the heart of the nation’s agricultural corridor. These ports now move nearly 100 million tons of freight annually.
Since 2022, Corn Belt Ports have attracted over $2 billion in multimodal and natural infrastructure investment through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other funding sources. This recognition has significantly strengthened the competitiveness of rural, downstate Illinois for both direct and indirect investment.
Featured Presenters:
- Dr. Anshu Singh, Director of Sustainability and Conservation, Corn Belt Ports
- Chris Smith, Operations Director, Corn Belt Ports
- Robert “Bob” Sinkler, Executive Coordinating Director, Corn Belt Ports
Registration is required: https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/2026-corn-belt-ports-update
Data Centers & Community Impacts Webinar Series Continues in Late February
Illinois now hosts more than 200 data centers, with additional facilities planned or under construction. This rapid growth brings both opportunities and challenges for local communities, from infrastructure demands to workforce needs.
Illinois Extension, in partnership with the Natural Resources, Energy & Environment team and the Prairie Rivers Institute, is offering a multi‑part webinar series to help communities understand and navigate the impacts of data‑center development.
The first two sessions drew more than 500 registrants, reflecting strong statewide interest. The third installment arrives in late February and will feature expert guidance tailored for local officials, planners, and community organizations.
Registration is required: https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/resilient-communities-webinar-series
Access Past Sessions Anytime
Recordings of all Community and Economic Development webinars are available on the Illinois Extension Local Government Education Team’s YouTube channel: Illinois Extension Community Economic Development
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in these programs, contact Mike Delany at 815‑732‑2191 or mdelany2@illinois.edu.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.