Laura E. Brown

Associate Extension Educator, Community Economic Development

Primary Research Theme

Economic and Community Development

Research Interests

My work as an Extension Educator involves developing, conducting and evaluating community development programs in collaboration with community leaders, business owners and organizations to build community capacity, improve economic opportunity and community well-being. I design, deliver and teach culturally relevant community-based educational programs by providing leadership development, strategic planning, community decision support tools, network development, and community planning. The focus of my current programming and research is at the intersection of economic development, equity, and public health including active transportation and impacts of greenspace.

Recent Cities-related Projects

• People Active in Trails for Health and Sustainability (PATHS) – PATHS is an interdisciplinary team of University of Connecticut extension educators, faculty, and staff committed to understanding and promoting the benefits of trails and natural resources for health, community & economic development and implementing a social ecological approach to health education. Recent publications include a series of Trails 101 videos and Impacts of Trails Impact sheets. Find out more at: https://cttrails.uconn.edu
• Connecticut Trail Census and CT Trail Finder – The Connecticut Trail Census is an innovative statewide volunteer-based data collection and education program that encourages data informed decision-making and promotes active citizen participation in multi-use trail monitoring and advocacy. The Trail Census includes trail use counts recorded by infrared pedestrian counters, trail user intercept surveys, and public education programs. The CT Trail Finder will be a statewide trail mapping tool. Find out more at: https://cttrailcensus.uconn.edu
• Best Practices in Economic Development and Land Use –  The Best Practices in Economic Development and Land Use Program drives communities to pursue excellence in economic development and land use practices and recognizes communities that have established best practices. The program can be used to engage community stakeholders in discussions about how to achieve higher standards and develop creative, community-specific ways to implement them. For more information, visit: https://www.cedas.org/Resources/CT-Best-Practices-In-Land-Use-and-Economic-Development