WRDC Presents at 2026 Western Places | Western Spaces Conference

Since relocating to the University of Idaho Water Center, the Western Rural Development Center (WRDC) has expanded its work across the region through presentations, partnerships, and community-based initiatives. In early March, WRDC presented at the 2026 Western Places | Western Spaces Conference in Denver, hosted by the Rocky Mountain Land-Use Institute and the Sturm College of Law. This year’s theme, We the People: Under Pressure, reflected evolving challenges facing rural communities. 

WRDC’s Erik Kingston and University of Idaho Professor Lorie Higgins presented an update on two long-standing programs helping rural communities strengthen local leadership and capacity. The first, CDI West (formerly the Northwest Community Development Institute), provides professional certification for community and economic developers. The second, the Western Community Assessment Network (WeCAN), supports locally driven assessments and peer learning. Together, these programs have supported leadership development and community planning efforts in nearly 200 rural communities over three decades. 

The session focused on how shifting federal priorities are impacting rural areas and highlighted practical strategies to build resilience through professional development, community engagement, and peer networks. CDI and WeCAN have already built strong followings across Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Oregon, with graduates applying these tools to support local economies and quality of life. Longtime colleagues Higgins and Kingston were joined by Dr. Flo Raitano with the Denver Regional Council of Governments. 

WRDC is now expanding both programs across the western region, aiming to engage more communities through Extension networks and land-grant partnerships. The inaugural CDI West will take place July 20–24 in Boise, Idaho. To learn more, watch for event details to be announced on the WRDC website or contact wrdc@uidaho.edu.