High-Level Description (100 Words) This session explores emerging trends in community development (CD) and local development and society (LD&S) research, focusing on innovations in practice, technology, and scholarship. Featuring insights from CDS journals, we’ll discuss critical themes shaping the field, including the role of emerging technologies like AI, strategies for enhancing community resilience, and equitable development. The session also provides practical tips on preparing standout submissions for our journals, emphasizing ways to bridge the gap between research, policy, and practice. This interactive discussion invites scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to reflect on current trends and share strategies for advancing impactful community development research. Expanded Description (250 Words) This session highlights the latest trends and critical discussions in community development (CD) and local development and society (LD&S) research and practice, drawing on insights from CDS journals. Aligning with the 2025 conference theme, “Innovative Pathways to Thriving Communities,” the presentation examines evolving topics that are reshaping the field, such as resilience building, equitable urban and rural development, and the integration of emerging technologies. While artificial intelligence (AI) will be a focal point in exploring how technology intersects with community development, the session will also cover other transformative tools, frameworks, and opportunities. These innovations are positioned alongside established community development models, fostering a conversation about blending tradition and technology to address contemporary challenges. The session will include practical advice for researchers and practitioners aiming to publish their work in CDS journals, offering insights into crafting impactful submissions that resonate with editors, reviewers, and the broader academic and practitioner communities. We will discuss strategies for aligning research with critical themes, ensuring methodological rigor, and addressing the broader implications of findings for community practice and policy. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in an interactive dialogue with editors, gain clarity on navigating the submission process, and reflect on how their work contributes to emerging conversations in CD and LD&S. Whether new to the field or an experienced scholar, this session promises to inspire and equip participants to advance impactful research and practice.
