Center for Economic and Community Development
Penn State's Center for Economic and Community Development is an applied research center dedicated to strengthening local and regional development in Pennsylvania and beyond. The Center works with communities to address the issues they face, such as economic and demographic change, government revenue and expenditure policy, community capacity building, and social and economic inequality. Our research outputs include timely short reports, economic impact analyses, and series projects, such as county-level demographic and economic profiles. The Center team includes faculty, staff, and students.
Upcoming Events
Stories from the Field - April 29, 2026
April 29, 2026
214 Ferguson Building
The "Stories from the Field" series focuses on the "why" and "how" of community engagement and applied research. Each session, we invite speakers to tell us about their work and share stories that illustrate what this work actually looks like on the ground.
Appreciative Inquiry and Asset Mapping Workshop
May 1, 2026
University Park, HUB, Room 134
Teaches tools to build bridges among residents and support community food initiatives, creating spaces for connection, healing, and re-imagining relationships.
Latest News
August 29, 2024
Quick guide aimed at educating public about Pennsylvania election process
With election day quickly approaching, Cristy Schmidt, CECD applied research educator, collaborated with the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania to develop “Pennsylvania Election Process: A Quick Guide for Citizens,” a package of materials aimed at helping counties inform and engage the public about the election process.
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August 2, 2024
Extension team earns national award for work on active transportation plan
The CECD’s Cristy Schmidt was part of a team of Penn State Extension educators who won a 2024 Excellence in Teamwork award from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) for their project, “Partnering to Create PA Municipal Active Transportation Plans.” The team, whose members are John Turack, Neal Fogle, Peter Wulfhorst, Matt Spindler, Er Yu, and Cristy Halerz-Schmidt, was named a national runner-up and Northeast region winner.
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May 16, 2024
Industry fellowship provides real-world experience for doctoral student
CECD affiliate faculty member Maria Spencer leads the college's first-of-its-kind graduate summer fellowship pairing Penn State graduate students with industry mentors to help students navigate the transition from academia to careers in industry. Read about graduate student Xialing Zhao's experience working with Sysco to support a food waste reduction initiative aimed at finding new outlets for food that is salvageable but being wasted out of the warehouse.
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September 27, 2023
RCAA Recording: Immigration, Community, and the Economy
Check out the recording from the September 2023 Rural Community Action Assembly. Presenters shared their perspectives on labor shortages, population changes, and inclusive approaches to labor force participation.
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