How Economic Developers Engage with Extension
Extension has long been an economic development partner involved in a wide range of issues, from water quality and agricultural practices to retail and energy. Since passage of the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, extension has provided outreach and non-formal education to strengthen lives and communities across the country.
Over the last century, extension has continued its’ original mission to extend university resources while also adapting to changing times, as they address a wide range of needs in both urban and rural areas. Extension can be found in all 50 states, with about 2,900 offices nationwide. In Ohio, over 700 extension professionals staff offices within all 88 counties, in addition to numerous regional and state offices, to provide extension services for communities, businesses, and organizations of any size and location.