Another major evolving trend is the aging of the population. Of the four million elderly poor, three-fourths are women with Social Security as their only income. At the other end of the age spectrum, the percentage of American children classified as poor increased from 15.4 percent to almost 22 percent between 1974 and 1994. Programs that enhance the ability of citizens to plan for and manage development in their communities are critical to sustaining the quality of life and viability of communities and economies in rural Illinois. Extension contributes to community and economic development through programs in leadership development, local government education, volunteer management, small business management, and needs and resource assessments.
Extension provides data, information, and technical assistance to community leaders.
Extension supports the strategy of collaboration for all communities as community leaders develop networks of information, resources, and assistance among local, regional, and statewide organizations. Illinois has become a significant tourist destination for people both in and out of the state. Almost 30 percent of these jobs are located outside of the Chicago metropolitan area. Community leaders throughout Illinois have recognized that tourism represents one of the most viable economic development options available to them. Tourism is just one example of the many small businesses that exist in Illinois.