Laura Brown, CEcD

Community & Economic Development Educator
UConn Extension
Bethel, CT

Laura Brown is an Associate Professor, Community & Economic Development Educator with the University of Connecticut Department of Extension and a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).

Laura conducts applied research and educational programs that build community capacity and help community leaders make informed decisions. Her work focuses on asset-based community and economic development, regionalism, sustainability, place-making and economic development education. Her recent work includes administration of the Connecticut Trail Census project, a volunteer-based data collection and education program on multiuse trails; implementing a statewide First Impressions community exchange and assessment program in Connecticut, and coordination of an economic development training and education programs.

She has professional experience in urban and rural communities and moved to Connecticut in 2014 from Wisconsin where she served for seven years as a Community & Economic Development Educator and Specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Originally from Taunton, Massachusetts, Laura holds an M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and a B.S. in Psychology and Communications from Clark University. In her free time Laura cultivates a garden, practices Italian and explores New England with her partner, musician and composer, Filippo Santoro and son Giulio.