In a world that is evermore mobile and technologically connected, creating vibrant places is more important than ever to our South Dakota communities. As we pursue place-based strategies, we animate public and private spaces, rejuvenate structures and streetscapes, improve local business viability and enhance public safety. We bring diverse populations to celebrate, inspire and be inspired by the potential of the community and region they call home. Join us as we draw upon data-based models from Extension collaborations throughout the country to craft community and economic strategies around the “Great Faces, Great Places” of South Dakota!
Our Experts
Home Starts Here
SDSU Extension’s Home Starts Here podcast seeks out the individuals, businesses, and ideas that are sparking vibrant communities in South Dakota. Each month, our community vitality field specialists visit with rural changemakers about their ‘why’ and the challenges they face as they transform ideas into action.
Follow along on Spotify to be inspired by those who are creating a more vibrant place, strengthening community businesses, creating something entirely new, or inspiring others to join in their vision of how their hometown could be just a bit better.
Signature Programs
Marketing Hometown America
Strategic Planning
Creative Placemaking
Program Interest Form
Interested in bringing our programing to your community or business? Submit your information using the form below, and a team member will contact you to discuss what options we can offer.
Upcoming Events
ENERGIZE! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference
SDSU Extension will host its sixth annual Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities conference May 22-23, 2024 in Hot Springs, South Dakota.
Related Content
Core Strengths
Core Strengths training can provide groups, teams, communities, and businesses with actionable and memorable insight into daily interactions, meetings, and conversations while building team trust and forming productive relationships.
Register now for 2024 SDSU Extension Energize conference
February 13, 2024
Registration is open for the sixth annual South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality Energize Conference on May 22 and 23, 2024, in Hot Springs.
SDSU Extension Community Vitality built on foundation of empowering people
February 09, 2024
Now a full-fledged capstone within SDSU Extension, community development – since renamed Community Vitality – has evolved and grown in the last 20 years. Program leaders agree the community work they did through Horizons laid the foundation for what would become a successfully thriving SDSU Extension Community Vitality program.