Whether you are new to the field of economic development and community planning, or a current practitioner looking to refresh your skills, the Indiana Communities Institute offers a variety of focused and engaging course offerings. Each session is grounded in research, relevant to policy, and proven through practice. Using hands-on educational experiences, ICI aims to help community leaders address modern planning and development challenges in pursuit of building stronger, more sustainable neighborhoods, municipalities, counties, and regions. 

Browse our educational training opportunities below, and subscribe to our free, monthly newsletter to stay informed of our latest offerings.

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Upcoming Courses and Workshops

The Indiana Economic Development Course—the official “basic course” for the International Certified Economic Developer Certification—offers intensive training in the basic concepts, methods, and strategies of economic, industrial, business, entrepreneurial, workforce, and community development. The week-long course is a comprehensive educational experience covering the theory and practice of holistic approaches to building and sustaining vibrant communities. Learn more.

For more than 40 years, Ball State University has leveraged insights from the public, private, and academic sectors to continually adapt the course to the current climate. Upon successful completion, participants join the ranks of more than 2,200 alumni serving their communities, counties, regions, and states in capacities ranging from local economic development officials, community developers, consultants, and elected officials.

  • May 4 - 8, 2026 | Horizon Convention Center, Muncie, IN | Five-Day Course: Monday, 9:00 a.m. – Friday, 11:30 a.m. | Early-Bird Rate $745 by April 6 (Scholarships Available) | Full Price $795 After April 6

REGISTER NOW

Economic and demographic shifts continually and increasingly test communities of all sizes. To remain relevant and to thrive, community leaders must tackle challenges and pursue opportunities in a comprehensive and creative way. These ongoing changes and the need for new approaches demonstrate the value of community development. It is necessary for community leadership, both official and unofficial, to undertake the training required to build capacity and help pursue strategies that put people and places first.

Experts with decades of community development experience lead participants through seven core sessions over 2.5 days with exercises and conversations facilitated throughout. This training is designed for elected officials, community leaders, engaged citizens, and anyone who is passionate about where they live and dedicated to making it even better. 

Indiana Public Finance and Government Course: Understanding How the System Works is a 2.5-day course designed for public and private-sector professionals, civic leaders, and those working to advance community economic development in their communities.

The course provides a clear and practical introduction to public finance and government structure at both the state and local levels. It explores why they matter, how they operate, and how they connect. Participants will learn how authority and responsibility are structured across levels of government, how public revenue is raised and distributed, and how decisions about taxes, budgets, and incentives shape local priorities and community economic development outcomes.

Designed as Indiana’s State and Local Government and Public Finance 101, the program combines instruction, discussion, and applied examples led by experienced practitioners and subject-matter experts. No prior background in government or finance is required.

This course provides a practical introduction to how Indiana’s state and local governments work and how public revenue is raised, allocated, and spent.

Topics include:

  • How authority and responsibility are structured across federal, state, regional, county, and local levels
  • How public finance works in Indiana, including taxes, budgets, state aid, and major revenue sources
  • How local governments fund services, infrastructure, and development projects
  • Roles of counties, cities, towns, townships, special districts, and regional organizations
  • Key tools such as bonds, TIF, tax abatement, and grants
  • How government structure and finance shape community and economic development
  • Current fiscal issues and policy debates affecting Indiana communities

    Course Schedule (subject to change)
    February 24: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    February 25: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    February 26: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m

  • February 24-26, 2026 (2.5-day course) | In Person, Ball State Fishers, Fishers, IN | Early-Bird Rate $545 Until Jan. 15 | Full Price $595 After Jan. 15

Register Now

Browse our calendar of events for a list of all upcoming offerings by the Indiana Communities Institute. 

ICI Event Calendar

Questions?

For inquiries about our services and events, including the ICI Academy, please contact us.