Conway, Ark. - Deborah West, Executive Assistant, Monticello Economic Development Commission, has recently completed the Advanced Year class of the 32nd annual Community Development Institute (CDI) at the University of Central Arkansas on August 3, 2018.
The Advanced Year class of the Community Development Institute, in partnership with U of A's Cooperative Extensive Service, focuses on the application of community and economic development principles in a real-world setting. Participants that have completed Years 1, 2, and 3 of CDI take the skills they learned and use them to make a positive impact on an Arkansas community.
Throughout the week of July 30 - August 3, the class worked with the city of Sheridan.
The class conducted an online first impressions tour of the city, completed a driving tour and shared opportunities with local leadership aimed at identifying and understanding their assets and opportunities. The Advanced Year class culminated by producing a report of their findings and recommendations, which will be shared with the community.
UCA is the birthplace for the Community Development Institute, which started in 1987 in partnership with Entergy, Southwestern Bell, and ARKLA. Since that time, CDIs have been established in California, Texas, Idaho, Alabama and Illinois, and a national governing and certification body, the Community Development Council, has been created.
More information about CDI can be found at www.uca.edu/cdi.