Urbanski Completes First Year of Community Development Institute

U of A employee Keith Urbanski recently completed the first year of three years of the 40th annual Community Development Institute at the University of Central Arkansas.

Urbanski works for the Professional and Workforce Development division of Global Campus as the workforce partnerships coordinator. He collaborates with employers across Arkansas to identify workforce needs and develop customized training solutions.

Through his participation in the institute's Community Development Pipeline program, Urbanski aims to strengthen his ability to align workforce development strategies with broader community and economic development goals. He plans to apply these insights directly to his work by building more impactful partnerships, designing responsive training programs and supporting sustainable growth for both businesses and the communities they serve. 

"One of my biggest takeaways from the first year was gaining a greater appreciation for the different perspectives and needs between Northwest Arkansas and many of our other communities," Urbanski said.

He began working Jan. 16 at Global Campus.

Twenty-five participants for the Community Development Pipeline cohort were chosen through a competitive process. Supported by a three-year grant from the Walton Family Foundation, the program brings together the Northwest Arkansas cohort with about 40 additional first-year participants from communities across Arkansas. Urbanski's acceptance email noted his "vision for your community and dedication to supporting that vision."

During one week of training per year, the Community Development Institute trains community leaders and economic development professionals on how to strengthen their local economies and build communities. Participants learn 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.