The Midwest is no stranger to tornadoes and floods. We’re familiar with small, main street shops closing down. And we wonder why some commute over an hour to work every day. Maybe we ask ourselves, “Whose job is it to help communities in need? How can we bring jobs to our city? Is there funding available to develop a beautiful riverwalk in my town so that people will visit the area, have lunch, and shop at our small businesses?”

The answer to these questions comes in the form of unsung heroes: economic developers. That’s why UNI’s Institute for Decision Making (IDM) has been training Midwest economic developers for over 25 years via the Heartland Economic Development Course.

Heartland is an intensive professional development program that equips economic developers, community leaders, planners, utility representatives and other professionals with the tools they need to help communities grow and adapt. The course blends theory with practical application, covering topics like workforce development, business retention and expansion, real estate redevelopment, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning.

The importance of the course today is perhaps greater than ever. Communities are navigating rapid change related to workforce shortages, housing availability, downtown revitalization, childcare, infrastructure, and evolving economic trends. Heartland helps professionals think strategically about those challenges while also giving them a strong network of peers and mentors they can continue to rely on long after the course ends.

What sets Heartland apart is its focus on real-world collaboration and problem-solving. Participants are not just sitting through lectures; they are working through case studies, engaging with faculty who are active practitioners in the field, and building relationships with peers from across the Midwest. 

That hands-on approach is one of the aspects participants value most. 

As one attendee shared, “Overall, I thought the course was amazing. I really loved the fact that not only were we learning, but we actually got to see physical ways that economic development really can impact an ecosystem.”

Highlights from the 2026 course

Each year, the curriculum evolves to address today's most pressing economic development challenges. The 2026 course featured sessions on ethics, strategic planning, workforce attraction, entrepreneurship, redevelopment, incentives and housing solutions, giving participants practical tools they can immediately apply in their communities.

One standout component of the 2026 course was the Community & Neighborhood Development session in downtown Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The session took place at the Green Street development project and gave participants an opportunity to experience firsthand how placemaking, redevelopment, local partnerships, and downtown investment strategies contribute to economic vitality.

The practical experiences left a lasting impression on participants. 

"Amazing experience,” one attendee reflected. “I learned so much, and I'm truly grateful for the opportunity. It was one of those moments that really opened my eyes and gave me a fresh perspective. I walked away with new ideas, new connections, and a lot of motivation to keep growing in this field."

Another memorable session, “When It Hits the Fan: Disaster Prep, Response & Strategic Planning,” focused on the growing role economic developers play during times of crisis and recovery. Participants worked through a disaster scenario using role play to better understand how communities respond under pressure. The session reinforced the importance of adaptability, communication, leadership, and long-term planning, while highlighting how economic developers often serve as connectors and coordinators during emergencies and recovery efforts.

A partnership that powers the program

IDM became involved with Heartland in 2000 during a leadership transition. A former IDM staff member serving on the faculty recognized an opportunity to help sustain the program, and IDM stepped in as the association management partner and has continued supporting the course ever since.

For IDM, supporting Heartland aligns closely with its mission of helping communities build capacity and prepare for the future. Over the years, the course has helped train hundreds of professionals who are now leading organizations, projects, and initiatives across Iowa and the broader Midwest.

More than 25 years after IDM first partnered with Heartland, participant feedback continues to reflect the program's lasting value: "The best course preparation, presenters, communication, facilities, attendees, and learning outcomes ever! Congratulations. I wish that there were more like this!"