Over the past 22 years UCED has provided community-based strategic planning predominately to the economically distressed areas in the State with the chief purpose of enhancing local economic development efforts.  The Center is successful in addressing all aspects of community preparedness that allows communities to compete in today’s global economy.  By creating the environment for economic development opportunities and growth, these Alabama communities, organizations and private firms are better positioned to support new and existing business as well as attract new investments and jobs.

The mission and focus of the work are critical to improve sustainable economic growth in Alabama’s rural communities.  The Center administers technical assistance and applied research in economic development efforts by developing and structuring programs that build local capacity; increase the elected and civic leadership base; increase tourism/recreation and entertainment; and provide a well-educated and prepared workforce.  UCED is the focal point to leverage University resources and partners with a specific focus on the community development process and to encourage substantial capacity building at the local level.  UCED staff provides the leadership and skills necessary to guide dedicated community leaders to partner with each other while working cohesively to create a stronger economy for their community. 

These efforts have consistently helped to provide diversification of the State’s economy and created on-going positive growth.  UCED’s work has simultaneously brought area leaders together which helped to create long-term community alliances for sustainable progress in towns all over the state while maintaining the sense of the small town existence. 

UCED’s assistance varies depending on the needs of the community.  Some typical services include engaging citizens in a community/regional asset-based strategic planning process to identify their needs and develop a plan that enables them to reach viable solutions; facilitating discussions and developing plans for downtown revitalization; supporting community efforts to promote tourism and recreation; facilitating town meetings; providing leadership development training; preparing feasibility studies; and assisting with industry related investments.  UCED staff continuously assist in defining community needs and goals and provide support as solutions to achieve them are developed. 

Assistance

The Center is successful in addressing all aspects of community preparedness to allow communities to compete in today’s global economy.  By creating the environment for economic development opportunities and growth, communities, organizations and private firms are better positioned to support business and attract new investments and jobs in Alabama.  The mission and focus of the work are critical to improve sustainable economic growth in our rural communities.  The Center administers technical assistance in economic development efforts by developing and structuring programs that build local capacity; increase the elected and civic leadership base; increase tourism/recreation and entertainment; and provide a well-educated and prepared workforce.  UCED is the focal point to leverage University resources and partners with a specific focus on the community development process and capacity building at the local level.

Leadership