Established in 1984 by the Indiana General Assembly as the Indiana Economic Development Academy, the Center for Economic and Community Development is a statewide public service unit of Ball State University. The mission of the center is to help build self-sufficient Indiana communities by increasing the knowledge and ability of development professionals, government officials, and volunteers.

With access to a wealth of human resources and special programs at Ball State, within the State of Indiana, and across the nation, the center can offer a myriad of training and technical assistance in economic and community development. The center's services and publications include:

• general education programs
• Toolbox Guide to Development Funds
• customized local and regional education services
• economic and community development projects and consulting services
• statewide information dissemination through the center's Web site