Sustainable Community Development: Applications of Research, Education, and Extension

Purpose and goals:

Identify existing science-based community development tools and methodologies such asset-based vs. deficit-based approaches.

Characterize the current body of social research supporting high quality community development

Identify some basic research questions that remain unanswered.

Examine partnerships between the federal agencies, universities and colleges, private sector, and county government to deliver extension services in forming sustainable community development.

Highlight some information technology that might be useful in delivering more efficient sustainable development services to communities.

Desired Outcomes:

Develop recommendations on sustainable community development in terms of research, education, and extension for inclusion in the World Summit on Sustainable Development briefing papers and regional meetings.

Complete an inventory of accomplishments in the US over the last 6-8 years in the area of community sustainable development in the areas of research, education and extension for inclusion in the report.

Potential Presenters: 

• Bo Beaulieu, Southern Regional Rural Development Center, Mississippi State Unversity      
• Jill Auburn, National Program Leader, Sustainable Agriculture, USDA/CSREES   
• Amber Levofsky, Policy Analyst, Environmental Protection Agency   
• Josh Mandelbaum, US Department of Transportation, NRDP Truman Fellow   
• Peggy Harwood, Regional Planner, Green Infrastructure, USDA Forest Service

Session Format:

Each potential presenter will lead a section of the following process by introducing the section, offering their (very brief) learned bias, and engaging the participants in the facilitated discussion to include:

1.  Brief Review of Recommendations over the past 6-8 years

2.  Taking stock of new research, education and extension applications aimed at community development over the last 6-8 years.

3.  What is the current state of affairs?

4.  Therefore, what recommendations does this group have in terms of research, education and extension for the WSSD delegation.

Background Information for Synthesis and Discussion:

Recommendations for Improving the Scientific Basis for Environmental Decision-making: Federal Government Structure, Higher Education, Information Systems, Sustainable Communities, 2000.

Education for Sustainability: An agenda for Action: Essential Learning, Public Awareness, Sustainable Development Extension Network, Community Visioning and Assessment, Workforce Development, State and Federal Policy Changes, and Technology and Information, 1996.

Sustainable Communities PCSD Task Force Report Recommendations on: Community-based Planning, Open Decision-making; Access to Information; Smart Growth; Diversified Local Economies, Education and Training, Redevelopment, Financing, Public Safety, Disaster Preparedness, and Pollution Prevention, 1997.

Agenda 21 – Chapter 36: Promoting Education, Public Awareness and Training Recommendations, 1992.

Session Organizer: 

Greg Crosby, Ph.D.
National Program for Sustainable Development
USDA CSREES

Questions? conference@NCSEonline.org