Community and Economic Development
Recommended Content
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.
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.
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
SDSU Extension AgritourismSD graduates receive state tourism awards
March 24, 2026
Two South Dakota State University Extension AgritourismSD graduates were recently recognized by Travel South Dakota for their achievements and contributions to the tourism industry.
Nebraska entrepreneur announced as 2026 Energize conference keynote
March 06, 2026
South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce Nebraska Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame member Craig Schroeder as the 2026 Energize conference keynote speaker.
Opportunities for Addressing Book Deserts in Rural Communities
By fostering a culture for reading, placing books into community spaces, and partnering with libraries to extend their reach, rural communities can transform book deserts into book-rich environments.
Are Chamber Bucks a Thing of the Past or Still a Viable Economic Development Tool?
For many communities, Chamber Bucks, sometimes called community gift certificates or local currency, have been a long-standing tradition. Today, they remain a simple, meaningful way to keep dollars working close to home while supporting businesses that invest in your community.
SDSU Extension helps agritourism producers promote their strengths
January 09, 2026
In 2019, Good Earth Farm owners Nancy and Jeff Kirstein had to make a decision. The barn on their Lennox-based property, originally constructed in 1897, needed attention.
SDSU Extension welcomes new Community Vitality Field Specialist
November 24, 2025
South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Dacia Hilkemeier as a new Community Vitality Field Specialist.
Healthy Landscapes Healthy Communities Pilot Program: Looking back and moving forward in year two
Now in its second year, Healthy Landscapes Healthy Communities provides communities across the state with an opportunity to envision vibrant public spaces through an engaged planning and design effort.
Creating a Virtuous Cycle of Grant Writing
Creating a virtuous cycle of grant writing can lead to a cycle of reinvestment and expansion within your community, allowing you to create new programs, reach new populations, and increase your capacity and impact, fueling your next cycle of success.
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.
SDSU Extension co-hosting 2025 South Dakota Local Foods Conference
September 09, 2025
South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to partner with Dakota Rural Action, the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, McCrory Gardens at SDSU and members of the South Dakota Local Foods Coalition to present the 2025 Local Foods Conference.