By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development is preparing to launch a new educational opportunity for Iowans involved in community improvement work.
The program, called Community Matters Live, will begin in 2026 and will offer monthly webinars tailored to individuals working in housing, planning, and community development.
This series is intended to help local leaders access reliable information and practical tools that can support community decision-making.
Community Matters Live will bring together experts from across Iowa, including specialists from ISU Extension and Outreach who regularly work with local communities. Each webinar will feature expert perspectives, real-world examples, and practical strategies drawn from projects and research happening across the state.
The goal is to provide timely information that can assist local officials, planners, nonprofit partners, builders, and developers in addressing challenges within their communities.
Jen Hargrove, community development specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, emphasized the importance of this new series.
“People across Iowa are tackling housing, planning and community development every day,” she said. “Community Matters Live is designed for them, the local officials, planners, builders, developers and nonprofit partners doing the real work on the ground and looking for timely, practical information that can help them make informed decisions.”
Her statement highlights the need for accessible resources that reflect Iowa’s local conditions and ongoing development efforts.
Sessions for early 2026 are currently being finalized, and a partial schedule will be available in January. The webinars will focus on key topics that support long-term community resilience, effective planning, and economic growth.
By offering monthly sessions, the series ensures that participants receive steady access to updated information throughout the year.
Anyone seeking additional details or wishing to ask questions can contact the Community Matters Live team at cedcml@iastate.edu. This new series reflects Iowa State University Extension’s continued commitment to empowering communities with research-based knowledge and practical guidance.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education