Community Development Institute Southeast
Coming soon in 2026!
Join us for the CDI Southeast Community Development Institute! The mission of the Community Development Institute (CDI) is to empower people with the knowledge and skills necessary to proactively improve the physical and human resources of their communities, thereby increasing the quality of life for all citizens.
Workshop Overview
CDI can effectively and positively impact economic and social development by building the capacity of individuals and communities through practical, interactive, and comprehensive training designed to meet the needs of economic and community development professionals working in a fast-paced environment.
The program consists of three, four-day training sessions which can be completed in subsequent years at the same site location or by fast tracking to multiple sites within the CDI network in a single year or more. Participants are exposed to a comprehensive, applied approach to community and economic development. In addition to learning from successful practitioners, CDI also offers valuable networking and peer‐to‐peer learning opportunities.
Sponsored by:
| Available Dates | Coming Soon! |
| Location | Bryant Conference Center 240 Paul W. Bryant Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 |
| Lodging | Hotel Capstone |
| Keynote Speaker | Jim Page, Executive Vice President of Martin Federal Consulting |
| PCED Exam | Offered on June 13, 2025 Apply to test at least 45 days in advance |
Who Should Attend
Participants include community and economic development practitioners, city, county and state officials and community volunteers, non-profit staff and board members, chamber staff, private industry, municipal districts, and academics, all of whom find the institute to be a valuable learning tool for the development of individual and community leadership skills. Attendees will expand their ability to identify community assets, set goals, encourage collaboration, and respond to a broad range of economic and quality of life issues.
Year 1
Focus is on the foundations of community development and includes group simulations providing participants with a better understanding of the challenges and benefits of a community development approach.
- Understanding Community Economies
- Community Asset Mapping and Assessments
- Community and Economic Development Practice
- Community Strategic Visioning and Planning
- Identifying and Developing Stakeholders and Volunteers
Year 2
Emphasis is placed on the “nuts and bolts” of implementing economic development strategies, including business attraction, expansion and retention, and entrepreneurship. Exploration of commercial and industrial development projects and group simulations are learning tools for this course.
- Quality of Place
- Building Entrepreneurial Communities
- Business Attraction and Site Selection
- Business Retention and Expansion
- Community and Economic Development Finance
Year 3
Focus is on implementing the knowledge gained in previous years plus acquiring skills in leadership, marketing and organizing the community development effort.
- Workforce Planning and Development
- Community Leadership Development
- Marketing Your Community
- Measuring Community Progress
CDI Advanced
The Advanced Year focuses on the application of community and economic development principles in a real-world setting. This two-day training is designed for individuals who have completed all three years of CDI as well as for non-CDI alumni working in the field who want to stay current with trends and best practices. Completion of Advanced CDI is recognized by the CDC for education requirements, training, work experience and eligibility criteria for re-certification.
PCED Certification
Enhance your career by becoming a Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED). CDI helps prepare you for this nationally-recognized certification offered through the Community Development Council (CDC). Application and eligibility information are available at cdcouncil.com. Pre-registration for the exam is required 45 days in advance. The PCED is optional and not required for CDI attendance.
CDI Across the Nation
CDI Southeast is part of a national network of training sites endorsed by the Community Development Council (CDC), a nationally-recognized, non-profit organization with the mission of advancing the practice and profession of community development. For more information about the CDC and CDI site locations visit cdcouncil.com.
Agenda
Monday, June 9th
| Time | Session | Location | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:45am – 8:45am | Registration and Breakfast | Lobby of Birmingham/Central | |
| 8:45am – 9:00am | Welcome and Announcements | ||
| 9:00am – 10:00am | Artificial Intelligence: Your Path to the Community of Tomorrow | Birmingham Room | Dawn Horn, Lee Laska, Jason Miller – University of Alabama |
| 10:00am – 10:30am | Break | (Move to Classes) | |
| 10:30 am – 12:00pm | Year 1 Classroom Introductions Retail is Community Development for Your City | Birmingham Room | Lacey Bacchus |
| 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Lunch on Your Own | ||
| 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm | Tourism as Community Development | Birmingham Room | Josh Rivers, Jasmine Rainey |
| 3:00 pm – 3:15 pm | Break and Class Picture | ||
| 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm | Multiple Sessions | ||
| Newtonia –A Real-World Simulation | Nichols Room | Jamie Dykes Amanda Bergeron | |
| Marketing Your Community | Birmingham Room | Jimmy Hart | |
| 5:00 – 6:00 pm | Social Meetup: Networking at a Legends Bistro | Hotel Capstone |
Tuesday, June 10th
| Time | Session | Location | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:45am – 8:45am | Registration and Breakfast | Lobby of Birmingham/Central | |
| 8:45am – 9:00am | Welcome and Announcements | ||
| 9:00am – 10:00am | Artificial Intelligence: Your Path to the Community of Tomorrow | Birmingham Room | Dawn Horn, Lee Laska, Jason Miller – University of Alabama |
| 10:00am – 10:30am | Break | (Move to Classes) | |
| 10:30 am – 12:00pm | Year 1 Classroom Introductions Retail is Community Development for Your City | Birmingham Room | Lacey Bacchus |
| 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Lunch on Your Own | ||
| 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm | Tourism as Community Development | Birmingham Room | Josh Rivers, Jasmine Rainey |
| 3:00 pm – 3:15 pm | Break and Class Picture | ||
| 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm | Multiple Sessions | ||
| Newtonia –A Real-World Simulation | Nichols Room | Jamie Dykes Amanda Bergeron | |
| Marketing Your Community | Birmingham Room | Jimmy Hart | |
| 5:00 – 6:00 pm | Social Meetup: Networking at a Legends Bistro | Hotel Capstone |
Wednesday, June 11th
| Time | Session | Location | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:45am – 8:45am | Registration and Breakfast | Lobby of Birmingham/Central | |
| 8:45am – 9:00am | Welcome and Announcements | ||
| 9:00am – 10:00am | Artificial Intelligence: Your Path to the Community of Tomorrow | Birmingham Room | Dawn Horn, Lee Laska, Jason Miller – University of Alabama |
| 10:00am – 10:30am | Break | (Move to Classes) | |
| 10:30 am – 12:00pm | Year 1 Classroom Introductions Retail is Community Development for Your City | Birmingham Room | Lacey Bacchus |
| 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Lunch on Your Own | ||
| 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm | Tourism as Community Development | Birmingham Room | Josh Rivers, Jasmine Rainey |
| 3:00 pm – 3:15 pm | Break and Class Picture | ||
| 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm | Multiple Sessions | ||
| Newtonia –A Real-World Simulation | Nichols Room | Jamie Dykes Amanda Bergeron | |
| Marketing Your Community | Birmingham Room | Jimmy Hart | |
| 5:00 – 6:00 pm | Social Meetup: Networking at a Legends Bistro | Hotel Capstone |
Thursday, June 12th
| Time | Session | Location | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast and Networking | Lobby of Birmingham/Central | |
| 9:00 am – 10:15 am | Multiple Sessions | ||
| Year 1 Community Asset Mapping and Assessments | Smith Room | Chance McDavid | |
| Year 2 Problem Solving | Birmingham Room | Ben Baxter | |
| Year 3 Problem Solving | Birmingham Room | Ben Baxter | |
| 10:15 am – 10:30 am | Break | ||
| 10:30 am – 12:00 pm | Multiple Sessions | ||
| Community and Economic Development Practice | Smith Room | David Thornell | |
| Community and Economic Development Finance | Central Room | Allison Brantley | |
| The Shameless Guide to Shameless Fundraising | Birmingham Room | Mike Putman | |
| 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Lunch on your own | ||
| 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Multiple Sessions | ||
| Community Leadership Development | Birmingham Room | Martin Houston | |
| Quality of Place | Central Room | Allison Brantley | |
| Community Leadership Development | Birmingham Room | Martin Houston | |
| 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm | Break | ||
| 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm | Graduation | Birmingham Room | |
| 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm | Debrief and Adjourn |
Keynote Speaker
Leading and Thriving Through Change
Jim Page
Executive Vice President of Martin Federal Consulting
Jim Page serves as Executive Vice President of Martin Federal Consulting (MartinFed), a Huntsville, Alabama-based government contractor that provides advanced cybersecurity, information technology, and mission support solutions to numerous federal agencies. He leads the company’s government relations efforts, manages corporate, community, and organizational partnerships, and oversees strategic marketing and communications as a member of MartinFed’s executive leadership team.
Workshop Location and Lodging
The Community Development Institute Southeast Conference will be held at the Bryant Conference Center located in the heart of Tuscaloosa on The University of Alabama campus.
Directions
Parking Your Vehicle
Attendees can park at the Capstone Parking Deck, which is located across the street from the Bryant Conference Center. A limited number of handicap parking spaces are available in front of the Conference Center. Approximately one week prior to the conference start date, you will receive a parking permit. The parking permit will only be valid for the Capstone Parking Deck and the handicap spaces in front of the Bryant Conference Center.
Hotel Accommodations
| Hotel | Hotel Capstone 320 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-752-3200 |
| Cost | $134/night |
| Distance from conference | within walking distance from the Bryant Conference Center |
| Room Block Dates | From June 9th to 13th |
| Reservation Deadline | May 23, 2025 |
Make your hotel reservation online:
Only the dates and room types contracted are available at the contracted rate — rooms requested outside of your block dates or different room types are based on availability and at the prevailing rate.
Book your room by phone:
- The Agent will ask for an email address so that we may email your confirmation letter. They will also be able to provide the confirmation number for you over the phone.
- Please be prepared with your payment method as it will be required to make a reservation over the phone.
Workshop Registration
Register Online for CDI Southeast
You will be taken to our online registration area. The screen will look different from this part of our website and will open in a new window. You will click on the year that you wish to register for. If you register more than one person, each must have an individual email address to utilize the online registration system.
Register for CDI Southeast
Year 1, Year 2, or Year 3June 9-12, 2025
Bryant Conference Center
Tuscaloosa, AL
Register by Phone
Our Registration Services Office is open Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. To register by phone or for inquiries regarding your registration, please call 205-348-3000.
Special Accommodation Requests
The University of Alabama is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests for accommodation of physical and/or dietary needs should be made at least 30 calendar days in advance of the program date. Please email your request to professionaldevelopment@ua.edu. A portion of the invoice amount for this program will go to the Capstone Lifelong Learning Foundation to support activities of The University of Alabama and the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.
Need our STAARS Vendor Number? Please use VC000118827 for UA Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.
A portion of the invoice amount for this program will go to the Capstone Lifelong Learning Foundation to support activities of The University of Alabama and the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.
Cancellation Policy
A cancellation charge of 100% of the registration fee will be assessed on cancellations occurring within seven (7) days of the start of this session. Refunds will not be granted after the program has begun. The University of Alabama reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or combine class sections, to limit registration, or to change instructors. Contact the Registration Services department at 205-348-3000 or registration_services@ua.edu to cancel your registration. View the OTIDE Cancellation Policy.
Financial Assistance
John G. Burton Endowment Scholarship
Financial Assistance for Training for Municipal WorkersThe endowment has a two-fold purpose: To advance the content, quality, and effectiveness of municipal programs held at The University of Alabama’s Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education, and to help perpetuate and improve the quality of services rendered by the League of Municipalities to their constituents. The fund is administrated by a panel consisting of the President of the League, the Executive Director of the League of Municipalities, the Director of the Division of Professional and Management Development, and the Associate Provost of the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.
2025 Sponsorship Opportunities
The Community Development Institute (CDI) provides our participants with the training they need to create communities with robust economies, a flourishing quality of life, and diverse and engaged citizen leaders. CDI 2025 serves as an opportunity for organizations to affirm their commitment to support training that leads to healthy and vibrant communities.
The University of Alabama sponsors a significant portion of CDI. However, there is still a need for additional sponsorships to assist in the overall support of CDI. Opportunities to sponsor the 2025 institute are now available. These sponsors will be recognized throughout the institute so that the community leaders who attend will know who helped make CDI possible. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email professionaldevelopment@ua.edu or call 205-348-7049.
Your Investment Will:
- Impact communities across the southeast
- Build leadership capacity for community and economic development
- Demonstrate a commitment to progress and growth
Explore Sponsorship Levels
| Sponsorship Levels | $500 | $1000 | $1500 | $2000+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition on CDI website | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Conference program recognition | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Organization logo on conference easel at entrance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Business name & logo in conference slideshow | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Invitation to the CDI Networking reception | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Recognition from the Podium at the Conference | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free admission to community keynote presentation | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free registration at CDI | No | No | 1 | 2 |
| Promotional materials included in participants’ packages | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Logo featured on break tables | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Opportunity to speak at the opening or closing ceremony | No | No | No | Yes |
Questions about the Conference?
Contact Mary Patterson today! Mary Patterson works in the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education at The University of Alabama as Program Manager, where she assists the OTIDE team in designing and implementing professional development and training programs, industrial training programs, and executive education programs that are offered on-campus, online or onsite at the workplace.
Conference Advisory Committee
| Advisory Member | Title |
|---|---|
| Kelly Andrews | Director, Pitt County Economic Development, Greenville, NC |
| Jamie Dykes | Program Coordinator, Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning–University of Alabama |
| Tracy Croom | Director, Financial Management & Planning, Federal Reserve Bank, Atlanta, GA |
| Dana George | Business Engagement & Research Operations Manager- GulfQuest, University of Alabama |
| Mike Harvey | Chief Operating Officer, Northwest Arkansas Council, Fayetteville, AR |
| John Hatfield | Regional Director, Southern Middle TN, TN Dept. of Economic Development |
| Jennifer Hayes | Director of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning– University of Alabama |
| Cory Johnson | Director of Community and Economic Development, West Alabama Regional Commission |
| Misti Martin | President & CEO, Cherokee Office of Economic Development, Woodstock, GA |
| Chance McDavid | Division Director, Community and Rural Development, MS Development Authority |
| Bryan Parker | Director of Governmental Affairs, Alabama League of Municipalities |
| Mary Patterson | Program Manager, Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning–University of Alabama |
| Dawn Przystal | President, Blue Elephant DMO Solutions |
| Courtney Taylor | Deputy Director for Strategy and Programs, AccelerateMS |
| David Thornell | President, Northwest Alabama Economic Development Authority, Retired |
| Georgia Turner | Executive Directory, West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority, Deland, Florida |
| Will Williams | President & CEO, Economic Development Partnership, Aiken, SC |