Community Development
The Extension Institute of Community Development provides educational programming to assist leaders, communities, and organizations realize their fullest potential. We work with communities to build the vitality that enhances their quality of life and enriches the lives of their residents. We educate in leadership development, organizational development, food systems, community economic development, local government education and much more. In short, the Community Development Institute plants and cultivates the seeds for thriving communities and organizations.
Upcoming Events
CommUnity Conference
The next CommUnity Conference is scheduled for April 27th, 2026 at UW Madison, Union South
Conference Goals and Objectives:
- Provide an opportunity for community members, students, nonprofit professionals, and researchers to learn, exchange, and build capacity for civic health and civil society efforts in Wisconsin and beyond.
- Build connections among community members and professionals dedicated to and working on civic health in Wisconsin and beyond.
- Identify promising strategies and opportunity areas for civic health in Wisconsin and beyond — which will inform our future work.
- Reach and connect with various communities across Wisconsin.
- Create an inclusive environment where all community members interested in civic health can learn and exchange.
To learn more about this opportunity please visit the 2026 CommUnity Conference: Civic Health in WI and Beyond website.
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
Green Lake, Wisconsin
May 13-15, 2026
Waves of Inspiration, Ripples of Change
Calling all rural and small town entrepreneurs, economic
developers, and community champions! Not your
typical conference, CEC is a smalltown showcase,
bringing together entrepreneurs and leaders from
Wisconsin’s small towns for experiential learning across
the City of Green Lake, WI. CEC is Wisconsin’s statewide
event for rural entrepreneurs and people who want to
support local business for the prosperity of Wisconsin’s
small towns and rural communities!
CEC 2026 will Feature:
- A Keynote by Craig Culver, CEO of Culver’s Restaurants
- 14 programming sessions about starting and supporting local business in small towns
- Boat Tours on the deepest lake in Wisconsin
- A Plein Air Painting Contest by Wisconsin’s creative entrepreneurs
- Office hours with business development specialists
- Networking opportunities with 200+ rural and small town leaders and business owners
Plein Air Festival
Green Lake, Wisconsin
May 14th 2026, 9AM-6PM
