The Community Accelerator® online training courses share the best practices in economic and community development of more than 200 cities and regions around the world. They bring new ideas and perspectives to the fundamentals of development. For economic developers, the courses offer an innovative way of working that leverages creative partnerships to accelerate progress. For community developers, they demonstrate the power of people to drive social, cultural and economic progress that unites rather than divides. For the elected, administrative and volunteer leaders of a community, the courses share inspiring examples and a strategy framework for reliably building inclusive prosperity, a more vibrant society and richer local culture.

Multi-course series that match your needs

Purchase a set of courses to help you meet your specific goals. Register for a 12-month subscription to a multi-course series and save!

For Economic Developers

This four-course series focuses on creating and accelerating the competitive advantages that will have the greatest impact on your success. It covers: generating economic value from broadband and digital services; creating a knowledge-based workforce to meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's employers and entrepreneurs, and creating and sustaining an innovation ecosystem through business-education-government partnerships.

For Community Developers

This four-course series demonstrates how cities, counties and regions accelerate community development in the face of digital transformation and climate change. Courses show how effective community visioning and engagement, both online and in-person, create genuine learning partnerships with citizens. They share digital inclusion strategies that work and how sustainability initiatives can both engage citizens and contribute to economic growth.

For IT and Telecom Managers

This three-course series shows how modest-but-smart investment can trigger the creation and expansion of high-quality broadband at a fraction of the total cost. Courses demonstrate how communities make connectivity a foundation of economic opportunity for their people – including the steps needed to bring people in from the margins of digital exclusion.

For Community Leaders

The Community Accelerator offers a unique, whole-of-community approach to economic and community development, based on best practices from more than 200 cities and regions. This series provides all seven courses to guide leaders in creating and executing an effective strategy, from connectivity and inclusion to workforce development and innovation.

See the complete course catalog

The seven Community Accelerator courses include an introduction to the Community Accelerator Strategy and six courses focusing on the critical success Factors for economic and community development. The courses explain why each Factor matters and the opportunities it offers, then provides case studies of cities, counties and regions that have found success.  Review the course content and register for a free mini-course to try before you buy. 

Start accelerating your community today

Community Accelerator training is a key step in your Intelligent Community journey. Buy access to a single course for 12 months for only US$99.95, or register for the full series of seven courses at a discount.

You may also be able to use a promotional code for free or discount access:

• Free for employees of ICF Community or Organizational Members >> Request your member code
• EDAC members earn 5 points toward Ec.D. certification for completing all courses
• Group pricing is available. Contact ICF for group pricing information