The Regional Economic Development Institute (REDI) is an engaged research enterprise that aims to understand, analyze, and inform economic development strategies aimed at strengthening the resiliency of communities and regions, with a focus on rural Colorado. 

A joint venture of the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Agricultural Sciences, and the Office of Engagement and Extension at Colorado State University, REDI brings together research, education, and community engagement. In doing so, the Institute advances CSU’s modern land-grant mission by connecting university expertise with community knowledge and translating rigorous research into practical strategies that address Colorado’s evolving needs.

REDI focuses on three inter-related themes:

• Economic resilience
• Food systems and agriculture
• Natural resources and the outdoor economy

Importantly, the Institute focuses on engaged, research-driven analyses, developing, applying, and refining frontier methods and perspectives in service to Colorado’s regions and beyond. In that sense, the goal is not only to make the Institute the natural partner for public, private, and non-profit organizations seeking to promote sustainable regional economic development, but also to be recognized as a source of cutting-edge urban, rural, and regional economics scholarship.