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.