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.
The Arts as an Economic Driver for Rural Communities
Recent research increasingly indicates that the arts can play a significant role in rural economic development through a variety of means, such as attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and making our towns more attractive places to live and work.
Building on Success: A New Approach to Grant Writing Training
Grant writing is one of the most effect ways to secure resources that support positive community change. But how do you start? One of the easiest ways is to familiarize yourself with the core fundamentals of grant writing is to take a training course.
Internet Access in South Dakota
The percentage of the population without an internet subscription varies considerably across South Dakota. The regional disparities observed in South Dakota are consistent with a previous USDA report showing lower household internet subscription rates in counties with persistently high poverty rates.
Ness School to Convene Sioux Falls Metro Economic Briefing
August 25, 2026
SDSU Extension and the Ness School of Management and Economics at South Dakota State University will convene the Sioux Falls Metro Economic Briefing, a new forum for the region’s business and civic leaders.
Starting a Community Garden
Community gardens or farms can support the overall well-being of the people in your region. Starting or participating in a community garden can be a great opportunity to learn new skills, grow food, and cultivate community!
Balancing economics with resources is theme of 2026 Eastern SD Water Conference
July 29, 2026
South Dakota State University Extension and the South Dakota Water Resources Institute at SDSU are excited to announce the theme of the 2026 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference: Balancing Economic Development with South Dakota Water Resources.
Creating the Pathways for Young People to Return Home
Is your community ready to direct the investments in your youth to help them discover the career paths that lead home? Our young people are the future business owners and civic leaders of our rural communities. We need them.
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.
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.
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.