From Research to Publication: Community Development Trends in Practice, Technology, and Scholarship
Monday, October 20, 2025 — 2:00 pm Eastern Time (US & Canada)
To view the webinar recording click HERE
To view the PDF version of the presentation slides click HERE
Join us for an engaging 60-minute webinar exploring emerging trends in community development (CD) and local development & society (LD&S) research. This session will highlight innovations in practice, technology, and scholarship, with insights drawn from CDS journals. We’ll examine critical themes shaping the field, such as the role of artificial intelligence, strategies for strengthening community resilience, and approaches to equitable development. Featuring editors from Community Development and Local Development & Society, the webinar also offers practical guidance for scholars and practitioners preparing submissions. Participants will learn how to align their work with timely themes, ensuring methodological rigor, and addressing broader implications for community practice and policy. Designed for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, this session invites reflection and discussion on how we can collectively advance impactful community development research and practice.
Presenters:
Craig Talmage, Ph.D.
Craig Talmage is the Editor-in-Chief of Community Development. He is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Business Management & Entrepreneurship at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he also serves as Director of the Bozzuto Center for Entrepreneurship. His teaching and research focus on entrepreneurship, community development, and the craft beverage industry, with special attention to how local businesses shape community identity and well-being. Craig is also deeply engaged in the Geneva community, chairing the City’s Local Development Corporation, serving as Vice Chair of the Business Improvement District, and working closely with local organizations and businesses to strengthen regional economic development.
Norman Walzer, Ph.D.
Norman Walzer is professor and director emeritus in the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, a past president of CDS, and founding co-editor of Local Development & Society. He has published widely on a variety of community and economic development topics.
Rhonda Phillips, Ph.D., FAICP
Rhonda Phillips is the President of St. Mary’s College of Maryland and founding co-editor of Local Development & Society. She is widely published in the areas of higher education leadership, sustainable development, community economic development, quality of life and community well-being.
Sofia Kotsiri, Ph.D.
Sofia Kotsiri is the Managing Editor for Local Development & Society, as well as Community Development journals since 2020. She completed her B.A and M.A from the University of Patras, Greece where she is originally from and her Ph.D. from North Carolina State University. She has worked as a postdoc for Purdue University and as of 2017 is an Economics Lecturer at Santa Clara University.
