Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs

10/08/2026

https://www.vandaliaradio.com/2026/10/08/163160/

The first of a series of five planning or "rural mapping" sessions was hosted by the Vandalia Civic Advancemen...

10/07/2026

09/28/2026

Mark your Calendars!

To learn more about APEX Accelerator, visit https://iira.org/apex/

09/08/2026

RTAC 2026 Summer Newsletter -

The Rural Transit Assistance Center (RTAC) was created in 1990 and operates under an inter-agency agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The RTAC mission is to promote the safe and effective delivery of public transportation in rural areas and to more efficiently use public...

09/04/2026

We are hiring!

This job posting will close on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

We are hiring!

🚍Illinois Rural Transit Assistance Center at the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs.

Program Coordinator, Transit Specialist I

Click here for more information 👉👉https://wiu.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=204000

08/28/2026

The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) at Western Illinois University is actively involved with the Community Development Institute (CDI) Council and serves as one of the host sites for the Community Development Institute program, Midwest CDI. The institute provides the full range of training required to pursue the Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) certification. Midwest CDI follows the CDI Core Curriculum, and participants must complete all three years of CDI training before becoming eligible to apply for the PCED exam.

Midwest CDI was held August 10–13, 2026, at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, Illinois. The annual training brings together community and economic development professionals from across the Midwest, including participants from Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and Missouri.

For more information about the Midwest CDI visit https://iira.org/conferences-trainings-and-workshops/midwest-community-development-institute/

Look at all the Western Illinois University alumni that is making a difference in their communities.

The following Western Illinois University alumni participated in Midwest CDI 2026:

Left to Right:
Kristin Terry – ’26 MA -Community and Economic Development
Michele Hedden ‘07 BB -Finance
Sean Park ’00 MA Economics
Kasi Henshaw – ’15 BA -English ’21 MA- English
Stepheny McMahon –’19 MA- Community and Economic Development
Alicia Dierikx- ’19 BS- Education, '21 MS- RPTA
Chris Sutton, Ph.D – ’88 BS Geography '91 MA Geography
Po Wilkey – ’26 MA Community and Economic Development
LaShawn Gordon - ’26 MA Community and Economic Development
Kathryn Rodemich – ’09 BA Fine Arts, Theatre
Alex Benishek – ’22 MA Community and Economic Development
Barbi Brewer-Watson - ’14 Bachelor of Music
Kathleen Weber- ’12 BA General Studies, ’22 MA Community and Economic Development
Audra Elam- ’26 MA Community and Economic Development
Savannah Ballard - ’23 BA Fine Arts Communication
Miranda Lambert - ’21 MA Community and Economic Development, ’21 Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Western Illinois University Alumni Association WIU Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration WIU Accounting, Finance, Economics, & Decision Sciences -AFED WIU College of Education and Human Services College of Humanities, Arts, Sciences, and Education

08/26/2026

Artificial Intelligence in Illinois’ Firms

This research explores AI use among firms in Illinois using the Data Axle database. An analysis of firms’ websites reveals that AI components such as NLP are widely used or mentioned, but questions remain about the value of AI for businesses.

Click here to read more>>>https://iira.org/publications/

08/25/2026

Congratulations to the newest Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) certified professionals!

The PCED certification is offered through the Community Development Council (CDC), a national nonprofit organization that supports Community Development Institute (CDI) training opportunities across the country.

The certification recognizes community development professionals who work collaboratively with individuals, organizations, and local leaders to strengthen their communities, promote economic prosperity, and effectively leverage both local and external resources.

More than 350 professionals nationwide have earned the PCED designation. This nationally recognized certification demonstrates a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and practical experience in community and economic development.

Congratulations to these professionals on achieving this important milestone!

https://iira.org/conferences-trainings-and-workshops/midwest-community-development-institute/pced-certification/

08/25/2026

We are hiring!

🚍Illinois Rural Transit Assistance Center at the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs.

Program Coordinator, Transit Specialist I

Click here for more information 👉👉https://wiu.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=204000

08/24/2026

🎉 Midwest Community Development Institute (CDI) 2026 has officially concluded!

Thank you to all of our participants, speakers, class directors, and partners who helped make this year’s institute a success. We appreciate your commitment to strengthening communities and advancing the community and economic development profession.

📅 Save the Date for Midwest CDI 2027!
August 9–12, 2027
📍 Springfield, Illinois

Midwest CDI is part of the Community Development Institute (CDI) Council and provides the full range of training required to pursue the Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) certification. Participants complete three years of training based on the CDI Core Curriculum before becoming eligible to apply for the PCED exam.

We hope to see many returning participants and some new faces in Springfield in 2027!



For more information click here>>>>>https://iira.org/conferences-trainings-and-workshops/midwest-community-development-institute/