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Community and Economic Development

All Community and Economic Development Content

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Community

Resources to support communities, organizations, leaders and businesses.

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Nov 12

Writing Your Future Grant Writing Workshop @ Aberdeen

SDSU Extension will host a grant writing workshop on November 12, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in Aberdeen.

Stack of newspapers

The State of Local News in South Dakota: Challenges, Innovation, and Opportunities

Years of research across various academic fields have extolled the importance of local newspapers and highlighted the positive impacts they have. Yet, local newspapers are in decline in many towns across the US.

People eat ice cream under a large tent

SDSU Extension experts to attend 2025 Dakotafest

August 06, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension experts will attend the 2025 Dakotafest trade show in Mitchell, providing educational resources and hands-on activities for a variety of topics.

up of people having a discussion in a re-purposed firehall.

Why Third Places Are Vital to Rural Communities

From community centers to small businesses, third places are social spaces outside of one’s home that support connection, economic growth, and civic engagement in rural communities.

Birds-eye view of a small rural town

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.

Sun rising over small town mainstreet.

SDSU Extension welcomes new community vitality expert

July 01, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Chase Moon as a new Community Vitality Field Specialist.

A brochure that says "Energize 2025" sits on a table with red roses laying next to it

SDSU Extension hosts successful Energize conference in Platte

June 03, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension hosted a successful Energize conference in Platte with 150 attendees.

Sun rising over small town mainstreet.

Rural Communities: Addressing Declining Population by Developing Entrepreneurial Communities

As the population decreases, schools close. Businesses close. Services become less and less. Research shows that people want to live in rural areas but don’t believe the opportunities are there. If communities develop a system to connect people to opportunities, rural communities can stabilize their population, keep their schools, businesses and services, and maybe even increase them.

A mother and daughter exploring the Freeman Prairie Arboretum.

The Value of Placemaking in Small Rural Communities in South Dakota

Placemaking offers a transformative approach for small rural communities in South Dakota, turning public spaces into cherished community assets. Learn about some success stories in the Freeman and Webster communities.