2026 CDS Annual Conference

2026 CDS Annual Conference

9:00am EDT

Board Meeting (old board) Classroom 103 - University Hall

12:30pm EDT

Pre Conference Workshop #1 - Discovering the 21st Century Economic Clusters of Communities/Regions in the U.S.: New Data Products Classroom 101 - University HallBo Beaulieu Pre Conference Workshop #2 - Spiraling up: Looking 20 years back and 20 years ahead Classroom 104 - University HallMary Emery • Héctor Eduardo Hernández Núñez Pre Conference Workshop #3 - Skills for Facilitating Community Development Processes Classroom 123 - University HallGrace Langford • Daniel Kahl Pre Conference Workshop #4- Designed for Success- SCAD as a Community Development Catalyst Offsite LocationDarrell Naylor-Johnson

4:00pm EDT

New and Returning Member Orientation Classroom 121 - University HallKathleen Lopez

5:00pm EDT

CDS Member Networking Classroom 121 - University HallKathleen Lopez

6:30pm EDT

Welcome Reception Ballroom - Armstrong Center

7:45am EDT

Student Chapter Workshop Classroom 121 - University HallDaniel Kahl • Tanner C. Knorr • Kathleen Lopez

9:30am EDT

Opening Session (includes plenary session): Reimagining Community Development: the Cross-Sector Imperative Ballroom - Armstrong Center

11:15am EDT

Boxed Lunch Pick-up (for registered attendees) Outside the Ballroom - Armstrong Center

11:30am EDT

Mobile Learning Workshops Pick up and Drop off Parking Lot - Outside Armstrong Center

5:30pm EDT

Monday Night Event at Starland Yard Starland Yard

7:30am EDT

International Connections Session with the CDS International Committee Classroom 101 - University HallKathleen Lopez

8:30am EDT

From Waiting to Winning: How Communities Prepare for Tomorrow Classroom 101 - University HallJennifer R. Williams, JD • Michael Phoenix Small Rural Communities Grow Their Capacity to Navigate Change Classroom 101 - University HallHolli Arp • John Bennett • Jody Horntvedt • Ellen Wolter • Craig Campbell The Role of Civil Society Alliance/Coalition in Enhancing Community Development: Lessons from South Africa’s #ZumaMustFall National Shutdown Classroom 101 - University HallNsizwazonke Ephraim Yende Building the Village: Leveraging Cross-sector Relationships for Youth Development Classroom 104 - University HallKristina M. Patterson Co-Creating Success: A Consensus Framework for Youth Impact in Rural Nebraska Classroom 104 - University HallBlair Bagley Keystone Community Partnerships: Amplifying Youth, Community, and Economic Capacity in the Commonwealth Classroom 104 - University HallJamison Malcolm A Curriculum for Bringing People, Place, & Systems into Planning for Comprehensive Community Development Classroom 109 - University HallElizabeth Druback Celaya • Rachel Fischer Collaboration over the Long Haul: Creating and Sustaining the Community Development Network of Maryland Classroom 109 - University HallSally Scott • Claudia Wilson Randall Mapping Regional Community Development Resources: Connecting Communities, Programs, and Possibilities Classroom 109 - University HallChristel Gollnick • Jackie Spainhower A Community Capital Development Approach Classroom 111 - University HallTodd Jerome Barman Engaging community in emerging land use planning issues Classroom 111 - University HallTamara Ogle • Kara Salazar • Aaron Thompson Navigating Change: From a Historic District to Building an Urban Homesteading Network Classroom 111 - University HallFelix Fernando A Tale of Two Counties: A Study of Intersectoral Stakeholders’ Preferences Regarding Economic and Entrepreneurial Development Classroom 120 - University HallAbdullah Khan Childcare Demand Forecast & Market Analysis 2024-2033 Classroom 120 - University HallBenjamin McKay Bridging Generations for Community Impact: Collaborative Leadership through Youth Empowerment and Neighborhood Leadership Classroom 123 - University HallDwayne T. James Innovating Community Food Access: Placemaking and Positive Youth Development in East-Central Phoenix Classroom 123 - University HallPatsy Kraeger Youth Navigating Changes Through Intercultural Dialogue in an International Sustainability Challenge Classroom 123 - University HallSandra Kurian • Dr. Jody Rebek • Adith Pradeep • Zhiyu Pan

9:45am EDT

Break: Research Posters, Silent Auction, Exhibitors University Hall Lobby

10:30am EDT

Bridging university students to communities across Georgia Classroom 101 - University HallAngel Jackson • Donald Addison II • Rosanna Cruz-Bibb Scaffolding Community Capacity: A Community-First Model of University Engagement Classroom 101 - University HallSeth Brookshire • Heidi Grogger Student Experiential Learning Through Youth, Community, and Economic Development in Philipsburg, PA Classroom 101 - University HallEmma Steely • Rachel Layvey A Typology of Power in Community Land Trust Governance: Cases from Memphis and San Diego Classroom 104 - University HallA.T. Harrison • Josh Newton Community Resilience: Creative, Cross-Sector Strategies for Equitable Development Classroom 104 - University HallPrasanta Anumolu From Displacement & Absence to Return: Navigating Repair on Portland’s Hill Block Classroom 104 - University HallAzalea Renfield • Ta' Neshia Renae` A Process Model of Cross-sector Collaboration Centered on Public Libraries: Collaborative Governance and Co-production Classroom 109 - University HallSatoko Okano • Mai Tanihara • Keiichiro Kokubo Building Safer Public Spaces Through Youth Leadership Classroom 109 - University HallLisha Shrestha • Lorena Mora Charting Synergistic Pathways for Increased Water Efficiency in Coastal Georgia Classroom 109 - University HallStetson Rowles • Fatemeh (Panah) Naeijian • Jayce Sudweeks • Taylor Woodard • Selina Ayittah Does Place Matter for Caregiver Well-Being? Evidence from Urban and Rural America Classroom 111 - University HallZuzana Bednarik • Stephan Goetz Mapping the Gaps: Navigating Workforce, Geography, and Care Access to Build a Regional Overnight Respite Network Classroom 111 - University HallDr. Sandra M. Sheppard Measuring Civic Capacity Across Place: How the Civic Muscle Index Identifies Strengths Across Rural and Urban Communities in Missouri Classroom 111 - University HallJamie Kleinsorge • Sarah Hultine Massengale • Claire Rippel Arts, Culture, and Humanities as Community Development Infrastructure: Findings from the Nebraska Cultural Investment Report Classroom 120 - University HallMorgan Vogel • Josie Schafer • Meagan Paez How should we evaluate creative placemaking? Experiences and observations of placemaking practitioners in the United States Classroom 120 - University HallB. Kathleen Gallagher • Leigh Hersey How Volunteers and Cross-Sector Partnerships at Free, Outdoor Concerts Improve Community Health Outcomes Classroom 120 - University HallSharon Yazowski Analyzing how James Oglethorpe's Plan for Savannah Implemented the CDS Principles of Good Practice Classroom 123 - University HallJerry Braatz Great Scot! How I Became a Groupie of Sir Patrick Geddes & What We Can Learn from Him Today Classroom 123 - University HallTodd W. Johnson Negotiating Face in Local Deliberative Institutions: How Decisions are Made in Ontario’s Municipal Heritage Committees Classroom 123 - University HallSean Meades

11:45am EDT

Break: Research Posters, Silent Auction, Exhibitors University Hall Lobby

12:00pm EDT

Luncheon and Plenary Session: What’s Next, America? Deliberation, Community Development, and the Civic Work Ahead Ballroom - Armstrong Center

1:30pm EDT

Break: Research Posters, Silent Auction, Exhibitors University Hall Lobby

1:45pm EDT

Building Cross-Sector Partnerships to Support Recovery in Rural Communities Classroom 101 - University HallCatherine Tootle Navigating Change with Rural Stories and Action Classroom 104 - University HallSarah Hultine Massengale • Madeline Matson • Taneum Fotheringill • Bill McKelvey • Joan Hermsen • Jackie Spainhower A progress report on how community development approaches can help local government develop a holistic, refugee-centered model of resettlement. Classroom 111 - University HallDave Mammen An Introduction to the Coming Together for Racial Understanding Curriculum Classroom 121 - University HallMichelle Eley • Lisa Hinz • Mary Emery • Dionardo Pizana

3:00pm EDT

Assessing Access to Care in Refugee Communities: Survey Development Armstrong Center LobbyCraig Borie Bridging Data and Service Learning: Housing Insights for Newton County’s Expanding Industry Armstrong Center LobbyJeffrey Burke Charting Consensus: A Consensus Framework for Postsecondary Youth Impact in Rural Communities Armstrong Center LobbyBlair Bagley Closing the Rural Climate Gap: An Integrated Development Ecosystem for Adaptive Capacity in Rural Georgia Armstrong Center LobbyTaylor Woodard Community-level Housing Functionality and Recovery Modelling for Coastal Georgia. Armstrong Center LobbyStetson Rowles • Ram Krishna Mazumder Empowering Youth for Life Beyond Graduation: The Navigating Through Life Initiative Armstrong Center LobbyJeffrey Burke Examining the Rural-Urban Interface in Community Development: A Systematic Scoping Review Armstrong Center LobbyEllen Wolter From Planning to Practice: Launching the Connect Newton Implementation Initiative Armstrong Center LobbyJeffrey Burke • Brittany Standifer • Seth Brookshire Intergenerational Collaboration in Youth Activism: Learning from the Lived Experiences of Girl Activists of Color Armstrong Center LobbyApril Diaz Mapping Septic System Vulnerability and Microbial Contamination Pathways in Coastal Georgia (Sapelo Island) Armstrong Center LobbyStetson Rowles • HM Asif Uz Zaman • Ram Krishna Mazumder Navigating cultural currents: Clinicians’ perspectives on culturally sustaining behavioral and mental health services for refugee communities Armstrong Center LobbyCaitlin Bletscher • Shelby Whatcott • Osamudiamwen Egbon Women-Led Social Enterprises, Community Assets, and Economic Development in Puerto Rico: Navigating Gender Equity Through LEAP Social Enterprise and La Goyco Armstrong Center LobbyMnguashima V Soomiyol

3:45pm EDT

Bridging Campus and Community: Collaborative Solutions for Housing Needs Classroom 101 - University HallJeffrey Burke • Sara Hand • Valerie Dixon Citizen’s Assembly for Homelessness Response in a Small City Classroom 101 - University HallGarret Zastoupil CommUNITY and College Partnership: “Where Mountain Creek Flows, Community Grows” Classroom 101 - University HallRick Coplen Community radio as a conduit for community development in South Africa Classroom 104 - University HallOluyinka OSUNKUNLE Connecting Producers, Partners, and People: A Rural Success Story Classroom 104 - University HallJennifer R. Williams, JD • Kelley Brent From Vision to Vessel: Building a Community-Led Ecosystem for Food, Land, and Climate Resilience Classroom 104 - University HallErica Hall From Cultural Assets to Local Economies: Newcomer Entrepreneurship and Integration Classroom 109 - University HallLisha Shrestha Hawkinsville, Georgia as a Case Study for Community Revitalization Utilizing University-Community Partnerships Classroom 109 - University HallSherrié Raleigh • Danny Bivins • T. Clark Stancil Navigating Community Currents: What Journal Editors Are Seeing—and Where the Field Is Headed Classroom 109 - University HallCraig Talmage • Norm Walzer From Global Insights to Local Impact: Community-Centred Infrastructure Governance for Sustainable Development in rural South Africa Classroom 111 - University HallVUYIWE PRINCESS MARAMBANA Mapping Parks Accessibility: Creating a Policy Taxonomy Classroom 111 - University HallLeigh Hersey • Courtney Harris Co-Designing: Participatory planning to rescue communities facing climate migration Classroom 120 - University HallSarjo Touray Community Currents in Action: Youth-Led Narrative Change for Education Equity in the Mississippi Delta Classroom 120 - University HallAlfonzo White • Dr. Theresa V. Rash Contemplative Practice in Community Development: Reclaiming Contemplation for Collective Liberation Classroom 123 - University HallRonald Hustedde • Rosalind Harris • Dr. B. Nalani Butler Creating Pathways to Reconciliation Through Incorporating Indigenous Voices and Culture into the Development of Impact Benefit Agreements (IBAs) on First Nation Traditional Territory Classroom 123 - University HallDr. Hannah Caicco Exploring the Manifestations of Community Leadership Structures Classroom 123 - University HallMary Emery • Lindsay Hastings • Justine Yeo Bircher

5:00pm EDT

CDS Membership Committee Meeting Classroom 101 - University Hall CDS Program Committee Meeting (all subcommittees) Classroom 102 - University Hall

6:30pm EDT

Awards Banquet & Live Auction Ballroom - Armstrong Center

8:00am EDT

CDS Annual Business Meeting Ballroom - Armstrong Center

9:15am EDT

Break University Hall Lobby

9:30am EDT

Community Currents in Times of Disruption: Charting Cross-Sector Pathways After Mass Layoffs Classroom 101 - University HallSandra Kurian • Dr. Jody Rebek • Adith Pradeep • Zhiyu Pan Cross-Sector Collaboration in Practice: Lessons from a Rural Workforce Initiative Classroom 101 - University HallKathryn Leys • Abbey Guggisberg • Tina Wilson The Age of Mobility: Bringing Economic Data into the Modern Era Classroom 101 - University HallDeeDee LeMier Building Bridges for Child Care Classroom 102 - University HallSarah Kennedy Navigating the Waters of Community Early Childhood Care and Education Needs Classroom 102 - University HallErin Hamel • Valerie Dixon Responding to Community Childcare Crisis Classroom 102 - University HallMelinda Grismer, PhD • Tanya Hall • Brianne Wrede, EdD Road Closures' Impacts on Locally Owned Businesses Classroom 104 - University HallAiden Hawkinson Opatz Strengthening Cross-Sector Community Collaboration Through Participatory Evaluation and Storytelling: Using Ripple Effects Mapping to Assess Collective Impact Classroom 104 - University HallRamona Madhosingh-Hector • Lola Adedokun • Nicole Breazeale • Mandy Baily A Stone Soup Approach: Building a Stronger Sense of Belonging in Multi-Generational Teams Classroom 109 - University HallChristel Gollnick • Jackie Spainhower Mentorship and Co-Designing Leadership Initiatives towards Harnessing Youth Councils and Volunteer Impact Classroom 109 - University Hall Charting Change Together: What Communities Learn When They Ask Newcomers the Right Questions Classroom 111 - University HallKara Harders • Weiwei Zhang Cultivating Community Leadership in Southwest Kenya: A Collaborative Training Model Classroom 111 - University HallLisa Hinz • Jody Horntvedt • Stella Omari Great libraries build communities: How are contemporary libraries collaborating in placemaking and community development? Classroom 111 - University HallB. Kathleen Gallagher • Leigh Hersey • Divya Janardhan Advancing Nebraska’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem for Inclusive Community Development Classroom 120 - University HallMorgan Vogel • Josie Schafer • Meagan Paez Community System Usability: Supporting Entrepreneurs Classroom 120 - University HallNeil Linscheid Educational Program Development as Social Entrepreneurship Classroom 120 - University HallDiana Hammer The Intergenerational Blueprint: Youth-Led Strategies That Close Disparity Gaps and Build Thriving Places Together with Community Changemakers Classroom 123 - University HallKaren Pifher • Megan Jenson

10:45am EDT

Break University Hall Lobby

11:00am EDT

Community Currents and the Accessibility Spectrum: A Typology for Grading Disability Access in Public Parks Classroom 102 - University HallLeigh Hersey • Courtney Harris LANDBACK, Federal Indian Policy, and Examples of Indigenous Community Development Practice in the United States Classroom 102 - University HallTanner C. Knorr Amplifying Voices Through Partnership: A Collaborative Approach to Coastal Resilience Classroom 101 - University HallLinda Seals • Lara Milligan Building Trust and Shared Solutions for Flooding, Erosion, and Salmon Recovery: An Asset-Based Approach from Wahkiakum County, Washington Classroom 101 - University HallCarrie Shofner, MS • Andrea Mah, PhD The Role of Community Leaders in Building Community Resilience Against Climate Disasters Classroom 101 - University HallDaniel Adama Community Leadership Development for Social Change: A Socio-Demographic Comparative Analysis Classroom 102 - University HallNwanyinna Shoemaker • Sarah Hultine Massengale • Claire Wolff • Wilson Majee Archway Partnership: An Award-Winning Model that can Work Anywhere Classroom 104 - University HallSherrié Raleigh • Sarah Adams • Angel Jackson Ready or Not, Hyundai is Here: Navigating Growth and Community Change in “Rural” Georgia Classroom 109 - University HallCandice Bodkin • Helen Rosko Rural Immigration and Community Leadership Classroom 109 - University HallJustine Yeo Bircher Karate sports for the indigenous Hazara Girls’ community leadership and psycho-social development. Classroom 111 - University HallHameed ulMehdi Navigating Gendered Currents: The Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme as a Catalyst for Women’s Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Local Economic Development in South Africa Classroom 111 - University HallConfidence Ndlovu Rippling out: Experiential learning that impacts students' and communities' views of the future Classroom 111 - University HallDaniela Manhani Mattos • Mary Emery • Raquel Johnson Bridging Divides through Skill Development, Education, and Inclusive Community Building: The Case of Built Africa Classroom 123 - University HallDias Bongo Searching for “Real Community”: The Utility of Marxist Theories for Community Development Research and Practice Classroom 123 - University HallJosh Newton

12:00pm EDT

Luncheon and Closing Plenary Session: Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.: Cultivating a Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Ballroom - Armstrong Center

2:00pm EDT

Board Meeting (new board) Classroom 103 - University Hall