Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs

06/18/2026

Plenary Session
Where Energy, Economy, and
Data Centers Come Together

The rapid growth of AI applications, cloud services, and digital technologies is increasing demand for data centers, as well as the power, water, land, and network infrastructure needed to support them.

Join Melissa Amedeo as she discusses how energy resources, economic growth, and data center investment intersect to have a significant economic impact on communities. During construction, these projects generate hundreds of skilled trades and construction jobs. The influx of workers and suppliers often drives measurable increases in local sales tax revenues from hotels, restaurants, retailers, and other businesses throughout the construction period.

Also Melissa Amedeo will discuss the long-term benefits, which include substantial capital investment, expanded utility infrastructure, and new property tax revenues that can support schools, municipalities, counties, and public services. The goal is for participants to leave with a deeper understanding of how communities can evaluate the opportunities and challenges associated with data center growth and position themselves at the crossroads of energy, innovation, and economic development.

REGISTER TO ATTEND
MIDWEST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
AUGUST 10 - 13, 2026

Registrations before June 30 are discounted by $50.00. Please register soon to receive the early bird rate!

When making your hotel reservation, please be sure to mention that you are attending the Midwest CDI event. Hotel reservations may be made at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel (217-544-8800). The room must be booked by July 20, 2026, to receive the $110 per night rate. Lunch will be provided to all conference attendees Monday through Wednesday.

Register today! https://iira.org/conferences-trainings-and-workshops/midwest-community-development-institute/

06/17/2026

Gisele Hamm, Program Director for MAPPING the Future, and Kristin Terry, Program Coordinator for Value-Added Development Center, facilitated a strategic visioning and planning session in Olney, IL, the home of the white squirrels and a Western Illinois University (WIU) alumnus, Mitch Fickling ('85 WIU School of Agriculture).



To learn more about our MAPPING the Future program click>>https://iira.org/mapping-the-future/

06/08/2026

💡 Small communities can make a big impact!

The Village of Montrose is proving that a dedicated group of volunteers and community leaders can accomplish great things. Through events like the Bands, Boots, Barrels and Bulls Rodeo and other community-driven initiatives, residents are working together to attract visitors, support local businesses, and create opportunities for future growth. Their efforts show that when people come together with a shared vision, even the smallest communities can make a lasting difference.

At IIRA, we know that strong communities are built by passionate people who are willing to invest their time, energy, and creativity into making their hometowns better. Congratulations to Montrose and everyone involved in helping move their community forward!



Learn more about IIRA MAPPING Program here>>>>https://iira.org/mapping-the-future/

https://www.effinghamdailynews.com/news/local_news/montrose-proves-small-group-can-have-big-effect/article_3030f7a0-a4ef-4c4f-aebf-c27bd1cf8b55.html

MONTROSE — When Bands, Boots, Barrels and Bulls Rodeo launched last year, Montrose community members hoped the event would mark the beginning of a new era for the village in

06/05/2026

WIU SBDC Recognized With Community Partner Award By Mercado on Fifth

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL — The has been recognize...

06/01/2026

Rural community and economic developers wear many hats. They’re often the public face of efforts to address local challenges, working in environments where community feedback is immediate and constant. In smaller, rural settings, these roles are frequently supported by limited staff, and the work can feel isolating. Over time, this can take a real emotional toll on those on the front lines.

Paul LaLonde will explain how to break down what a “mental health–supportive culture” looks like in practice, focusing on everyday actions: how supervisors set the tone, how teams can talk about stress without stigma, how to respond when someone is struggling, and how to balance compassion with accountability and safety.

Participants will leave with practical, realistic strategies they can put into place right away, no large budget or extensive HR infrastructure required.

Register today for 2026 Midwest CDI in Springfield IL
August 10 - 13, 2026
https://iira.org/conferences-trainings-and-workshops/midwest-community-development-institute/

05/28/2026

Congratulations to the Master of Arts, Community and Economic Development, graduates of 2026!

Learn more about the Master's program at Western Illinois University here>>>https://www.wiu.edu/IIRA/community_and_economic_development/

05/07/2026

The Rural Transit Assistance Center new podcast explores challenges and solutions in rural transportation.

Learn more about Rural Transit Assistance Center >>>>https://iira.org/rtac/

A WIU podcast is shining a light on the creative ways communities are overcoming rural transit issues.

05/06/2026

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is pleased to announce its Request for Applications (RFA) for Round 3 of the Strong Communities Program (SCP).

SCP grants funds to municipalities, counties, and land banks to address affordable housing needs and community revitalization efforts. SCP will return vacant residential properties to productive and taxable use through rehabilitation and provide funds for demolition in cases where properties are beyond repair and negatively impacting neighboring residences, preparing them for future development. SCP will increase property values, create jobs, help reduce crime, generate additional tax revenue, and attract further community investment. By enabling greater revitalization opportunities, SCP will preserve existing affordable housing stock that is often in city centers and in proximity to community amenities (schools, parks, medical facilities, shopping, jobs, and transportation).

Eligible applicants for SCP must be a unit of local government located in the State of Illinois. A county or municipality may join with other counties/municipalities and submit a single application (Land Banks and Regional Planning Commissions are eligible to apply on behalf of units of local government applicants). Each county/municipality may only apply once per funding round.

click here for more information>>>>https://www.ihda.org/my-community/revitalization-programs/

04/29/2026

Save the Date!

04/27/2026

Western Illinois University is hiring: Director of Sponsor Projects.

Click here to review the job description>>>https://wiu.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=199111