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OSU Urban Engagement

Extension’s strategic approach to Ohio’s urban influence and urban-suburban-rural interdependencies.

Strengthening Connections Along the Urban-Rural Continuum, Strengthens Ohio
With a presence in all Ohio communities, OSU Extension continues to advance engagement with rural, suburban, and urban Ohioans. Shifts in demographic characteristics and community conditions requires unique strategies to bring people and ideas together in ways that are relevant locally, responsive statewide, and recognized nationally.

Ohio’s Distinct Urban Influence
With 11.8 million residents, Ohio is the seventh most populous state in the nation. More than 50% of Ohio residents live in 9 of the 88 counties. Ohio has six cities with populations of more than 100,000. Only 12 other states have more cities of this size. What to know more about urban influence?

OSU Extension – Perfect Match for the City
As a Land-Grant, Urban Serving, Carnegie Engaged University, Ohio State addresses Ohio’s urban influence and connections along the urban-rural continuum. 

For more information, take a look at this page for stories about urban Extension in Ohio or checkout the highlights section.

OSU Extension 10-Year Urban Extension
Report, Reflection, Recommendations


News

  1. 2026 National Urban Extension Conference

    Dec 18, 2024

    Save May 11-14, 2026 on your calendar for the National Urban Extension Conference (NUEC) to be hosted in Detroit by Michigan State University Extension. This upcoming event’s focus will be on Driving Innovation Ahead. NUEC provides opportunities for Extension professionals from all program areas to share their research and innovative educational strategies that address the needs of urban, suburban, and peri-urban populations as well as urban-rural interdependencies.

  2. 2024 Black Farming Conference

    Sep 3, 2024

    The Black Indigenous People of Color Food and Farming Network (BFFN)’s fifth annual Black Farming Conference is taking place Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28, 2024 in Columbus. Visit the link below for more information on conference programming. Learn more.

  3. 2024 Urban Food Systems Symposium Registration

    Mar 4, 2024

    In 2024, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) hosts the Urban Food Systems Symposium in Columbus, Ohio. The event includes keynotes, a grower panel, 40 presentations, a reception with approximately 50 posters, a choice of six off-site educational tours, and dinner at The Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory, a unique 261-acre university facility for teaching, research, and community engagement.