Community and Economic Development

Energize!

The Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference is designed to empower South Dakota’s rural communities by inviting them to network with community leaders from across the state to share success stories, get new ideas and take action to improve their own communities.

A group of people watching a movie outdoors on a video screen on the side of a brick building.

Marketing Hometown America

Marketing Hometown America empowers communities to create a vision to attract new residents. Designed as a tool to create dialogue that moves people toward action, the process can be the spark to help a rural community look at itself in a new way.

Instructor and female grant applicant reviewing paperwork at a table.

Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing Workshops

Often, a community or organization needs capital to get a project off the ground. Our Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing workshops can be the start of finding that initial investment.

All Community and Economic Development Content

Library shelf with various board games that can be checked out.

A Library of Things

Community libraries no longer carry just books. Guests can find all sorts of items to check out, including games, tools, and even camping and outdoor gear! These items are collectively called a Library of Things.

Series of Snapchat screenshots demonstrating the application of a custom community lens for Watertown Racoon days.

Considering Snapchat for your community? Potential benefits, challenges, and questions to ask.

Snapchat is a widely used social platform, particularly for teens through those in their 30s. For communities hoping to engage students, young families, visitors, or early-career workers, this audience reach may be attractive.

A group of people smiles underneath a huge Jackalope statue

2026 Energize conference touts benefits of youth staying in SD

June 09, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension hosted a successful 2026 Energize conference in Wall with 144 attendees.

Deadwood, South Dakota buildings with Black Hills in the background

Community

Resources to support communities, organizations, leaders and businesses.

Group of Energize conference attendees standing in front of a sculpture

Jul 31

Energize 2027 Host Community Application Deadline

SDSU Extension is seeking applications for a host community for the ninth annual Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference.

Tractor pulling an agriculture-themed float during a fall parade.

South Dakota Fairs and Festivals - Part One: Festival Deserts, Festival Revival, and Festival Impacts

In South Dakota, many fairs and festivals take place in late summer or fall to celebrate a successful harvest, and the ways of life that made it possible. Learn about the impacts of these festivals and why they are worth preserving, developing, and re-imagining.