CDI prepares community leaders, economic development professionals and public officials with the knowledge and skills to strengthen local economies and improve quality of life. “The Community Development Institute has challenged me to think differently about leadership and community growth,” Finster said. As FARCO’s community development director, Finster works to strengthen relationships with municipalities, schools, economic development organizations and community partners throughout Arkansas. UCA is the birthplace of the Community Development Institute, established in 1987 through a partnership with Entergy, Southwestern Bell and ARKLA. The CDI model has since expanded to Texas, Alabama, Idaho, Illinois, Delaware and Louisiana, and led to the creation of the Community Development Council, the national governing and certification organization for Community Development Institutes.