Information for Prospective Communities
The application period for the Community Kick Start Program and CDI Advanced Year Class is closed. Please contact cdi@uca.edu if you are interested in applying for future opportunities.
CDI 2016 Advanced Year Work in Lonoke, AR
The CDI 2016 Advanced Year class began working with Lonoke, AR during the first week of August. The class of economic and community development experts assessed the city through an online assessment, research-based assessment, driving tour, and speaking with community leaders and citizens. At the end of the week, the class presented their findings, observations, and “golden nuggets” to the community.
Moving forward, UCA’s Center for Community and Economic Development and U of A’s Cooperative Extension Service assisted Lonoke in the creation of a strategic action plan. The plan was unveiled to the public on May 18, 2017.
Follow Lonoke’s progress here: Kick Start Lonoke
Watch the “Kick Start Lonoke” promotional video here.
View the final Action Plan here:
Read the report prepared by the Advanced Year Class here:
CDI 2015 Advanced Year Work in Heber Springs, AR
The Center for Community and Economic Development worked with U of A Cooperative Extension and Dr. Mark Peterson in Heber Springs, AR during the CDI 2015 Advanced Year class. Heber Springs was selected as the Advanced Year Kick Start Community for the 2015 Institute.
During CDI 2015, a group of professional community and economic professionals and CDI graduates assessed the city during the week of CDI 2015. UCA’s Center for Community and Economic Development and U of A’s Cooperative Extension Service assisted Heber Springs in holding community meetings and constructing a core leadership group. Six priority areas were identified for the city: Branding & Marketing, Economic Development, Funding & Finance, Tourism, Quality of Life & Place, and Education.
A five year strategic action plan will be the ultimate take away from Heber Springs Advanced Year experience.
Learn more about Kick Start Heber Springs through the community’s Kick Start video, found here.
Read the report prepared by the Advanced Year Class here: Advanced Year Report
The Kick Start Heber Springs Action Plan: A Blueprint for the Future can be found here:
CDI 2014 Advanced Year Work in Paris, AR
Teaming up with Dr. Mark Peterson of the U of A Cooperative Extension, the Center for Community and Economic Development launched the 2014 CDI Advanced Year into the community of Paris, AR. Through months of community forums and intensive planning, the community created a plan for success that would drive them into a successful future.
Learn more about Kick Start Lonoke through the community’s Kick Start video, found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqqrbXSWPn8
The Paris Action Plan can be found here: Paris Action Plan