UMN Extension Community Development

05/26/2026

The process of redesigning and innovating can feel daunting when working with partners on long-term impact. Extension's leadership and civic engagement staff worked with community program coordinators and local leadership to complete a multi-year "reimagining" of its county-based leadership cohorts. Here are four key lessons we learned for leading a community or program through a transition.

While the process to redesign and innovate may be daunting, change is often necessary when working with partners on long-term projects or impact. Discover helpful tips for leading a community or program through a transition.

05/12/2026

Extension's Brigid Tuck is always curious about what she'll discover when she conducts an economic impact analysis of festivals and events. The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship was no exception. In a recent analysis of the event, she found the hockey tournament had a significant economic impact in Minnesota—generating $71.5 million in economic activity across the Twin Cities region. Minnesota Sports and Events

An Extension analysis shows strong economic returns with visitors at the heart of the event.

05/01/2026

🗓️ 📌 Where you live matters—especially when it comes to health. Join our next Breakfast Info Bites webinar on May 20 to learn about the unique health challenges that rural communities face and how we might improve our health systems.

What health issues are rural communities facing in the United States? Join Extension to learn about the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center's work.

04/22/2026

Extension's Ben Wi******er was interviewed by MPR News about important housing trends across the state.

A new report shows many parts of greater Minnesota are diversifying and growing. However, sustained population growth looks unlikely. A rural sociologist says housing has a lot to do with these trends.

04/15/2026

Small towns are woven throughout Minnesota. But people often wear many hats in these communities—and starting something new can feel tough. Insights from the Blandin Community Learning Network highlight what helps.

Especially when you're wearing many hats, it can be hard to step away from existing tasks and create energy for a new idea. Discover six ways to strengthen your engagement and keep momentum going.

04/10/2026

Need to develop new skills—or refresh existing ones—as you support local businesses and organizations? Join our May business retention and expansion (BRE) course. You'll go on practice visits to real businesses, learn from guest experts, and network with other economic developers. https://z.umn.edu/b841

04/07/2026

We're excited to share the Southeast Minnesota Community Needs Assessment! Join us for our next Breakfast Info Bites webinar on Wednesday, April 15 to learn about infrastructure and amenities in small communities across 16 counties.

. Wednesday, 4/15/26, 8:30-9:00 a.m.

04/01/2026

🗓️📌 ICYMI: Join us in Benson, Minn., on April 16 for our Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities field trip! You'll see how local entrepreneurs are revitalizing the town through innovative businesses and reimagined spaces. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with—and be inspired by—others who are building entrepreneurial communities.
https://z.umn.edu/BensonCECFieldTrip
City of Benson MN Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA)

Join us for a field trip to Benson, Minnesota. Come and explore how the Benson community is reviving gathering places, businesses, and community anchors.

03/30/2026

Rural communities are often described as being "in the middle of nowhere," but modern life tells a different story. Join our webinar Tuesday, April 21 to learn how traditional data, combined with mobile data tools like Placer.ai, can reveal real movement patterns and strengthen economic development strategies.

Most Minnesotans live, work and shop across a wide region. Learn about emerging mobile data that helps communities understand how people move around and connect.

03/25/2026

📌 Do you have a passion for teaching facilitation tools and strengthening community leaders' ability to plan for and manage change? If so, we invite you to apply for our leadership and civic engagement educator position. Application deadline ➡️ Thursday, April 12!