CTAC Program Director Completes Community Development Institute

CONWAY, AR — Laci Melancon, Program Director of the Coastal Technical Assistance Center has recently graduated from the Year 3 Class of the 37th annual Community Development Institute (CDI) at the University of Central Arkansas on August 4, 2023. Laci fast-tracked through the three-year program by attending classes in both Arkansas and Texas, and she completed the program in only one year. 

CDI trains community leaders and economic development professionals on how to strengthen their local economies and build communities. This is achieved by developing the ability of participants to identify community assets, set goals, encourage collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders, and bring communities, organizations, and businesses together to respond to a broad range of economic and quality-of-life issues. 

The complete institute experience is a three-year program, with one week of training per year. Participants move through the program curriculum in cohorts and are exposed to a comprehensive, applied approach to the field of community and economic development. 

UCA is the birthplace of the Community Development Institute, which started in 1987 in partnership with Entergy, Southwestern Bell, and ARKLA. Since that time, CDIs have been established in Texas, Idaho, Alabama, and Illinois, and a national governing and certification body, the Community Development Council, has been created. 

More information about CDI can be found at www.uca.edu/cdi.  

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About Louisiana’s Coastal Technical Assistance Center

The Coastal Technical Assistance Center (CTAC) serves Louisiana businesses seeking opportunities in the Coastal Restoration and Recovery efforts of Louisiana through a partnership with Louisiana Economic Development, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, and the South Louisiana Economic Council. The CTAC team works to assist businesses in obtaining contracts with prime contractors allowing coastal dollars to remain in-state.