Since 1990, the Community and Rural Development Institute has strengthened Cornell's role as a leader in responding to current and emerging needs in community and rural development. Working with Cornell faculty and staff--including Cornell Cooperative Extension's network of county offices--and other state and regional institutions, CaRDI is a center of dialogue and collaboration addressing needs at the local, state, and national levels.
Our mission is to:
- Offer research-based information in support of identifying solutions to community problems
- Provide training, based on research and data, for elected and appointed officials and community leaders to foster informed decision making
- Connect Cornell faculty and staff from various colleges to build collaborative partnerships and to envision community development alternatives in key areas.
CaRDI works:
- Within New York State
CaRDI works with local, county and state governments, governmental agencies, state and regional associations, technical assistance providers, and CCE Associations. - Within Regions
CaRDI helps build capacity through targeted initiatives that support innovative, resource-appropriate strategies for community and economic development. - On Campus
CaRDI integrates faculty, staff and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Educators to enhance research and education in support of community development.