About Us

The Mission of Penn State Cooperative Extension's Community and Economic Development programs is to empower communities to engage in effective and participatory decision-making designed to ensure their long-term health and economic, social, and environmental well-being. Our role is to collaboratively facilitate a community-level learning process through the provision of timely, research-based information and other educational resources that are relevant, responsive and adaptive to changing community needs.

Program Overview

The primary goal of our Community and Economic Development Programs is to provide citizens, businesses, local governments, and organizations with the education and information they need to make effective decisions. The premise of these programming efforts is that a well-informed citizenry who play an active role in local leadership is the key to the long term well-being and quality of life of all those who reside in our communities.

Toward this end, field-based educators work closely with Penn State faculty and others to support a diverse menu of community and economic development programs and assistance. These educational programs are designed to be flexible enough to meet the diverse needs of our communities while maintaining a high standard of quality, professionalism, and objectivity. Equally important, the staff and faculty who work in the area of community and economic development have experience with, and access to a wide variety of resources and information regarding many community issues not directly supported by the formal programs and assistance outlined here.

Because our communities' needs are constantly changing, Cooperative Extension works closely with a number of advisory groups, organizations, and individuals to assess and prioritize which programs should be given the greatest emphasis each year. If we cannot be of direct assistance to you, we will do what we can to help you gain access to the information you need. For further information about any of these programs contact us.

Types of Programs & Assistance

Educational Programs: Our education programs consist of both single and multi-session workshops geared toward a wide range of topics important to the decisions that communities, organizations and individuals have to make. To ensure the greatest access, most programs are held during the evening hours on limited or no cost basis. In addition to the educational programs listed here, Extension staff and faculty and agents will be happy to work you to develop programs that address the unique needs of your community. If a program you are interested in does not appear in the listing above, please feel free to contact us. If we can't develop a special program to meet your needs chances are we can put you in contact with someone who can.

Technical Assistance: Penn State Cooperative Extension can either provide you with, or direct you towards a wide array of community and economic related data and information. Whether you are looking for county-specific economic or demographic data, information about a particular regulation or piece of legislation, or are trying to contact a specific agency or organization, we can help.

Special Projects: Local Penn State Cooperative Extension offices works in cooperation and partnership with literally hundreds of local community efforts and projects on a wide range of topics and issues. If we can be of assistance to you, your organization or your community, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Contact Information

For further information contact either your local Cooperative Extension Office or your Economic & Community Development Educator.

How to Reach Us:

Listing of all Team Members