Thank you for your interest in the Fundamentals of Economic Development Chancellor’s Certificate program.   

Economic Development is key to regional success. This Chancellor's Certificate program, Fundamentals of Economic Development, covers introductory economic and community development concepts and tools to attract, assess, and support development and redevelopment opportunities in our communities. Course modules will lead participants through the steps necessary to develop and implement economic development plans and projects.

This introductory program is designed for:

  • Public sector economic development commissioners and staff
  • Special taxing district commissioners and staff
  • Elected officials
  • Community Development Corporation board members and staff
  • Private sector specialists
  • Citizens and students interested in economic/ community development

When: Wednesdays, May 18 to June 29 from 6-9 p.m. You may sign up for entire course or individual modules. Download a PDF brochure of the entire program. 

Where:  Live Online by Zoom

Registration Fee: $450 for the Entire Session of 7 modules, or $75 for individual modules. 

Click here to Register. 

Instructors: Course instructors are senior economic development professionals working in Missouri and Illinois, representing nonprofit, public, and private perspectives.

Partnership: The course is offered by the UMSL Public Policy Administration program and the Urban Land Institute–St. Louis.

Chancellor's Certificate: Earn a noncredit UMSL Chancellor's Certificate in Fundamentals of Economic Development by completing six of the seven modules in this year's program. Please note, hours from this course WILL NOT carry over to next year's program. To receive the chancellor's certificate, you MUST attend at least six modules during this session. 

Cancellation policy

Registration Information:

Click below to register for the Entire Course or to register for individual modules click on the Module Number under Module Descriptions.  To register by phone call (314) 516-8419. Questions call (314) 516-5353. 

Entire Course | May 18 to June 29 | Fundamentals of Economic Development

Module Descriptions:

Module 1 | May 18  | Economic Development - A Public Perspective 
Learn about the role of local government in economic development and discuss the necessary conditions to foster a successful business climate. Consider the many facets of economic development and how they relate to different sectors and stakeholders.
Instructors: Amy Hamilton, City Manager, City of Richmond Heights, Mo.;
Julianne Stone, Adjunct Faculty, UMSL Public Policy Administration

Module 2 | May 25   | Perspective on Economic Development Planning  
Discuss an economic development planning approach that includes market context analysis, stakeholder involvement, and local government roles. We will consider the planning process from a variety of angles including, city, county, and chamber perspectives.
Instructors: David Leezer, Vice President, Business Attraction, Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce

Module 3 | June 1  | The Intersection of Community and Business
Explore the connections between community development and economic development. Discuss the importance of place-making, infrastructure, and comprehensive planning for attracting residents, workers, and businesses. Understand the role of community-based organizations in supporting neighborhood economic development.
Instructors: Matt Wetli, Principal, Development Strategies;
Paul Woodruff, Vice President of Community Development, St. Louis Community Credit Union

Module 4 | June 8 | Regional Approaches to Economic Development
Discuss how a coordinated approach and intergovernmental collaboration can positively impact and protect economic development efforts at the local level. What is the role of regional agencies and how do these agencies impact local economies?
Panel:  Betsy Cohen, Executive Director, STL Mosaic Project
Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, Director, St. Louis-Lambert International Airport;
Emma Klues, VP Communications & Outreach, Great Rivers Greenway

Module 5 | June 15 | Ethical Economic Development Decision Making
Maintaining public trust is critical. In this highly-interactive session, we will explore how our individual and collective ethics and values impact critical decision-making in local government policy and economic development.  
Instructor:  Wally Siewert, Director, Civic Engagement & FOCUS Impact Fellows, FOCUS St. Louis

Module 6 | June 22 | Where the Rubber Meets the Road - Understanding the Developer's Perspective
The plan is in place. What’s next? Understand the basics of the development process and the numbers that make the deal work, including the language of developers and contractors and the expectations of those with whom you are doing business.
Instructors: John Langa, Vice President, Economic Development, Bi-State Development

Module 7 | June 29 | Business Attraction - Tools for Site Selection & Marketing Your Community
Consider your community from a business’ perspective. Discuss the assets that allow the region to compete nationally. What data is important to consider and present to support business attraction? What work still needs to be done on marketing your community to those interested in locating here or expanding their presence?
Instructors: Doug Rasmussen, President, Steadfast City Economic & Community Partners;
Ruth Sergenian, Director of Economic Research, Alliance STL

Cancellation policy: For those who register for the Entire Session, cancellations received five business days prior to the first date of the program will be refunded, less a $25 processing fee. For those who register for Individual Modules, cancellations received five business days prior to the date of the module that you wish to cancel will be refunded, less a $25 processing fee.

If you are unable to attend, you may send a substitute, but we ask that you notify us of this change at mcpec@umsl.edu.  

Unless you cancel as per the guidelines noted above, even if you do not attend class, you will be billed for the registration fee once you register.

Payment Due: For those registering for the Entire Session, if payment is not received at least two days before the first class, we reserve the right to cancel your registration. For those registering for Individual Modules, if payment is not received at least two days before the module date, we reserve the right to cancel your registration.