Community leaders from across Arkansas and surrounding states will gather at the University of Central Arkansas from July 29 – August 2 for the annual Community Development Institute. This year’s theme is Sustain, Transform, and Empower Your Community.

Established in 1987, the Community Development Institute-Central (CDI) trains community and economic development professionals through a combination of lectures, small group discussions, simulations and individual projects, each focused on best practices and current trends in the industry.

The most notable additions to this year’s CDI are two new simulations, the Futures Game Simulation and Miller County Simulation, each designed as eye-opening experiences through unique hands-on learning activities.

Participants leave the institute with an enhanced ability to assess their community, build the capacity of community leaders to collaborate on development efforts, and set goals to improve their community’s quality of life and place.

Mayor Gary Baxtor, CDI Class of 2013 believes his experiences at CDI have provided him with the tools to bring economic development and community development together. “After attending CDI Central for two years, I have taken back to my community valuable ideas and techniques that I have put into action, some almost immediately,” said Mayor Baxtor.

The complete CDI experience is a three-year training program, with one week of training per year. Participants progress through the program curriculum in cohorts and are exposed to a comprehensive, applied approach to the field of community and economic development.

For more information, visit uca.edu/cdi.