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.
Latest News
July 13, 2022
Recording: Rural Community Action Assembly: Capital Access and Absorption
Capital access and absorption — systemic opportunity combined with the capacity and technical expertise to effectively leverage and deploy funds — are vital components of revitalization for rural communities.
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June 22, 2022
Recording: Rural Community Action Assembly: Regional Workforce Models
Regional workforce models — leveraging cross-sector partnerships, employer-informed job training, upskilling and reskilling, along with community outreach through trusted institutions — are an important component of revitalization for rural communities.
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June 8, 2022
Recording: Rural Community Action Assembly: Digital Equity for Infrastructure, Tech, & Skills
Digital equity and inclusion — affordable access to broadband internet, technology and devices, and skills and literacy — are vital components of economic development for rural communities.
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March 24, 2022
Researchers to devise new, innovative strategies to manage Philadelphia’s soils
Members of the CECD team are collaborating with soil scientists and communities in Philadelphia to develop an engaged approach to managing urban soils for safe and healthy urban agriculture.
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