Community Development

Events

Blog Posts

Downtown buildings in Cambridge, Illinois
Read article: Rural tourism that works starts with residents
Rural tourism that works starts with residents
In Henry County, tourism doesn’t belong to a single town. It is something communities are building together.As part of the Governor’s Rural Affairs...
Richard Proffer
Read article: Richard Proffer attains two national certifications
Richard Proffer attains two national certifications
Richard Proffer, Community & Economic Development educator serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties, has recently received a new...
boy running
Read article: Peoria Afterschool Networking Group brings together community agencies to support local youth and families
Peoria Afterschool Networking Group brings together community agencies to support local youth and families
A strong network of youth-serving organizations can make a lasting difference for young people and families. In Peoria, the collaborative Peoria...
Traffic circle with tower in Marion, IL
Read article: Placemaking: Building community around the places we share
Placemaking: Building community around the places we share
What makes a town feel like home? One key indicator of a strong, resilient community is placemaking. The...

News Releases

lady on a laptop
New local entrepreneur club being formed in Lewistown
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Business ownership can be a taunting undertaking. So much more goes into running a successful business than just providing a much-needed service or amazing product. Learning all the business requirements, resources available, and how best to prioritize the steps is what can...
Carly Whorton presenting at 2025 grocer summit
Illinois Extension hosts second annual Independent Grocer Summit
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois Food Access Initiative, a program of Illinois Extension, is hosting the second annual Independent Grocer Summit at John A. Logan College on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. This annual event pulls together independent grocery store owners...

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...

Staff

Laura Payne

Laura Payne

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