Since 1990, the Community and Regional Development Institute has strengthened Cornell's role as a leader in responding to current and emerging needs in community, rural and regional 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.