At their public hearing on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the City of Burwell, Nebraska, City Council adopted the new Burwell, Nebraska, Comprehensive Plan, as well as a new Zoning Ordinance, Official Zoning Map, and Subdivision Regulations, as recommended by the Planning Commission. The Burwell City Council also voted to accept the Burwell Strategic Plan and Capital Improvements Plan (CIP).
Burwell is located in Garfield County at the gateway to the Nebraska Sandhills. The US Census says the full-time population in 1,087 residents, but they attract many more people during the summer recreation season. Burwell is just downriver from Calamus Reservoir and Calamus State Recreation Area, on the North Loup River. Nebraska’s Big Rodeo each July has been attracting cowboys for over 100 years, one of the biggest competitions in ProRodeo. Burwell is also the home base for historic Fort Hartsuff.
My firm, Marvin Planning Consultants, has been working with Burwell Economic Development and City staff to draft the Comprehensive Plan and other documents. The Burwell Planning Commission functioned as our Advisory Committee, making time in their monthly meeting schedule to review the plan and proposed regulations. We also welcomed participation by the Calamus Area Community Fund and the Nebraska Community Foundation who helped get the word out and hold a successful Town Hall last year.
I really enjoy working with people who want to improve their community.
Rural America has long been associated with vast landscapes and agricultural heritage, but today, these communities face a new set of challenges. Population decline, economic struggles, and the lure of urban life have left many rural areas searching for ways to sustain themselves. In the midst of these challenges, however, a new story is unfoldingâone that centers on the rise of rural entrepreneurs. These individuals are reshaping the economic landscape of their communities, balancing innovation with a deep connection to tradition, and proving that small-town America is capable of more than just survival.
The New Rural Entrepreneur
Todayâs rural entrepreneur is redefining what it means to be a business owner in small-town America. While farming and agriculture remain core elements of many rural economies, there is a growing trend of diversification. Farmers are increasingly embracing agritech, organic practices, and niche markets. Local artisans, e-commerce sellers, and remote workers are setting up shop in places long considered too small or disconnected to support such ventures. These entrepreneurs blend modern tools like e-commerce and remote working platforms with the authenticity and craftsmanship deeply ingrained in rural life.
“In many ways, entrepreneurs are the life blood of a communityâs economy. Entrepreneurs start new businesses that build new local industries or expand existing ones. Along the way, many entrepreneurs hire others in their community, creating new jobs. This constant churn of pursuing new ideas and opportunities keeps communities vibrant,” wrote Andrew Dumont and Marysol McGee in a post for the Fedcommunities blog. “This is particularly true in rural communities, where small businesses and entrepreneurs have long been important. “
Yet, while this new wave of entrepreneurship is bringing renewed hope, it also brings with it the pressures of sustaining both economic growth and the values that define rural communities. For many, itâs not just about finding new ways to generate income, but about doing so in a way that remains true to the identity and heritage of these areas.
Supporting Infrastructure for Startups
One of the critical elements enabling rural entrepreneurship has been the slow but steady improvement in infrastructure, particularly broadband access. Historically, the lack of reliable high-speed internet and basic communication networks held many rural communities back. Today, government initiatives and local efforts are working to bridge the digital divide, though much work remains to be done.
With improved connectivity, rural entrepreneurs can now participate in the global economy in ways that were once unimaginable. Remote work has opened doors for individuals to stay in their hometowns while pursuing careers that previously required relocation. E-commerce has allowed artisans, food producers, and local businesses to reach national and international markets. However, while the digital age offers new opportunities, the uneven pace of progress means many rural areas still struggle with insufficient infrastructure, making it difficult for some entrepreneurs to fully realize their potential.
Local Innovation in Action
Despite these challenges, rural communities are finding creative ways to innovate. In many cases, itâs the very characteristics that once seemed like limitationsâsmall populations, limited resources, and isolationâthat are now driving new kinds of businesses. From small-scale manufacturers producing handcrafted goods to farmers adopting precision agriculture technologies, rural entrepreneurs are creating success stories that serve as models for others.
These examples, however, remain exceptions rather than the rule. Many entrepreneurs continue to face significant barriers to entry, from limited access to capital to a lack of mentorship and training. Rural communities often lack the resources found in urban startup ecosystems, forcing entrepreneurs to rely on personal savings, community networks, or crowdfunding to get their businesses off the ground. While the resilience and ingenuity of these business owners are commendable, the road ahead remains steep for many.
Challenges of Rural Entrepreneurship
The rise of rural entrepreneurship, though promising, is not without its difficulties. Access to financial resources is one of the most persistent challenges. Traditional banks often hesitate to lend to small businesses in rural areas, perceiving higher risks and lower potential returns. As a result, many rural entrepreneurs are left to seek alternative funding options, such as grants, community loans, or state-supported rural development programs.
Another challenge is the scarcity of skilled labor. Many rural areas have seen younger generations move to cities in search of better opportunities, leaving behind an aging workforce. This shortage of talent makes it difficult for rural entrepreneurs to scale their businesses or adopt more advanced technologies. While some communities are addressing this issue through workforce development programs and by encouraging the return of local talent, the gap remains significant.
Agritourism and Niche Markets
One of the most promising areas of growth for rural entrepreneurs is agritourism and niche market development. By leveraging the unique cultural and agricultural heritage of rural communities, many entrepreneurs are turning to tourism, local products, and artisanal crafts to sustain their businesses. From farm stays and guided tours to artisanal food production, rural entrepreneurs are finding ways to invite outsiders into their world, offering experiences and products that cannot be found elsewhere.
Yet, even this path is not without challenges. While agritourism and niche markets can generate revenue and help preserve cultural heritage, they also place additional pressure on local resources and infrastructure. Balancing the needs of tourists with the preservation of rural ways of life requires careful planning and ongoing community engagement. The success of these ventures often depends on the communityâs ability to maintain its identity while welcoming new forms of economic activity.
The Future of Rural Entrepreneurship
The future of rural entrepreneurship remains one of cautious optimism. As small businesses grow and new ventures take root, rural communities are beginning to see the potential for economic renewal. However, this progress will require continued investmentânot just in infrastructure, but in education, training, and community support systems.
For rural America to thrive, there must be a concerted effort to address the underlying challenges that have historically held these communities back. Whether through increased access to capital, more robust digital infrastructure, or better workforce development, rural entrepreneurs need the tools to succeed on a level playing field with their urban counterparts.
At its core, rural entrepreneurship is about more than just businessâitâs about the survival and renewal of communities that have long been seen as Americaâs backbone. As these entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of economic modernization, they are also working to preserve the values and traditions that define their way of life. The balance between progress and preservation is delicate, but with careful planning and support, rural entrepreneurship has the potential to lead these communities into a vibrant and sustainable future.
Fort Hartsuff was established in the North Loup Valley of the Nebraska Sandhills in 1874, and was active until 1881. The fort was named for Maj. Gen. George I. Hartsuff, who died in 1874 from wounds received in the Civil War. The town of Calamus was platted in September 1874, near the Fort, on the trail from Grand Island to Deadwood, in Dakota Territory. The Fort was intended to protect settlers and the Pawnee Tribe. In April 1876, soldiers from the fort engaged in the Battle of the Blowout against the Lakota tribe, with three Medals of Honor awarded.
Many of the buildings remain and since 1961 have been restored as a State Historical Park. Officers’ quarters line one side of the parade grounds, now shaded with large trees. An abundance of lime and gravel in the river valley gave the Army material to build many larger structures with a type of concrete they called grout. Today, visitors can stroll the gravel path around the parade ground, follow along the white picket fence that surrounds the fort, and explore buildings staged in the 1870s era. Nebraska celebrated Fort Hartsuff’s 150th anniversary on August 31 and September 1st, 2024, with re-enactors, food trucks, and very loud cannons.
Rural America, characterized by its sweeping landscapes and tight-knit communities, has long been a bastion of tradition and simplicity. These regions are often seen as the heart of American heritage, where values like hard work, family, and faith are deeply rooted.
However, as the world rapidly evolves with advancements in technology, shifts in population, and changing economic landscapes, rural communities face the complex challenge of preserving their rich cultural legacy while adapting to the pressures and opportunities that modernization brings. This balancing act is crucial for their continued vitality and relevance.
The Historical Backbone of Rural America
Historically, rural America has been the backbone of the nation, playing a crucial role not only in providing agricultural products and raw materials but also in shaping the cultural and moral fabric of the country. These small towns and rural areas have long been revered as the stewards of traditional American valuesâvalues deeply rooted in family, faith, and the ethic of hard work. However, over the years, these communities have faced significant challenges, including declining populations, economic hardships, and the lure of urbanization, which have threatened their very existence.
Despite these challenges, many rural communities have shown resilience, adapting to changing circumstances in innovative ways. This adaptation is not just about survival; it’s about finding new paths to thrive while still preserving the essence of what makes these places unique. As younger generations leave for opportunities in cities, those who remain are often forced to rethink the economic and social structures that once defined their communities. Agriculture, while still vital, is no longer the sole economic driver, and many rural areas are diversifying into areas like tourism, renewable energy, and small-scale manufacturing.
The decline in population has also led to a sense of urgency in preserving the cultural heritage of these areas. Festivals, historical reenactments, and the promotion of local crafts have become more than just community activitiesâthey are now seen as vital efforts to maintain a connection to the past while forging a future. Additionally, the shift towards modernization, such as the introduction of high-speed internet and better infrastructure, has opened up new opportunities for economic growth, making it possible for rural areas to attract new residents and businesses.
In essence, rural America stands at a crossroads. The decisions made today will determine whether these communities can continue to uphold their traditional values while embracing the changes necessary for their survival and growth. It’s a delicate balance between honoring the past and innovating for the future, one that rural America must navigate carefully to ensure its continued place as the heart of the nation.
Technological Impact
The introduction of modern technology has indeed transformed rural areas in profound ways, bringing both significant advantages and notable challenges. On one hand, technology has opened up new opportunities for these communities, enabling remote work, which allows residents to stay in their hometowns while engaging in global economies. Access to online education has expanded learning opportunities, particularly for younger generations, helping to bridge the educational gap between urban and rural areas. Furthermore, advancements in telemedicine have vastly improved healthcare accessibility, allowing residents to receive specialized care without the need to travel long distances.
However, despite these benefits, the digital divide remains a persistent issue, posing a serious obstacle to fully realizing the potential of modern technology in rural regions. Many rural areas still lack the necessary infrastructure for reliable high-speed internet, which has become a cornerstone of economic development in the 21st century. This disparity not only hampers economic growth but also exacerbates social inequalities, as those without adequate internet access are left behind in education, healthcare, and business opportunities.
Efforts to address this digital divide are underway, with federal and state initiatives aiming to expand broadband access to underserved areas. However, progress has been slow, and many rural communities continue to struggle with the limitations imposed by inadequate technology infrastructure. The challenge moving forward is to ensure that these areas are not left behind in the digital age, but rather are empowered to fully participate in and benefit from the technological advancements that are reshaping the world.
In summary, while technology has the potential to revitalize rural America, the uneven distribution of its benefits highlights the need for continued investment in infrastructure to ensure that all communities can thrive in the modern era.
Infrastructure and Development
Modernization efforts have significantly impacted rural areas by introducing new infrastructure projects that are vital for economic development. Improved roads have enhanced connectivity, making it easier for residents and businesses to access markets and services. Renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar farms, have brought new revenue streams and jobs to these communities, while also contributing to environmental sustainability. Additionally, improved transportation links have facilitated the movement of goods and people, further integrating rural areas into the broader economy.
However, these developments often present a double-edged sword. While they are essential for growth, they can also threaten the preservation of the natural landscapes and historical sites that define the character and identity of rural communities. For instance, the construction of new infrastructure can disrupt scenic vistas, harm wildlife habitats, and encroach upon historical landmarks that hold significant cultural value. This tension between progress and preservation is a central challenge for rural areas as they navigate the path of modernization.
Communities are increasingly seeking ways to balance these competing priorities. This might involve careful planning and community engagement to ensure that development projects are designed in a way that respects the natural and historical heritage of the area. By doing so, rural America can continue to evolve and grow economically while maintaining the unique qualities that make it such a cherished part of the national identity.
Cultural Preservation
Amidst the sweeping changes brought by modernization, there is a growing and passionate movement within rural America to preserve and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. Communities are increasingly turning to festivals, local craftsmanship, and traditional farming practices as vital ways to keep the spirit of rural life vibrant and connected to its roots. These events and practices not only provide a sense of continuity and pride but also serve as educational experiences for younger generations and visitors alike, ensuring that these traditions are passed down and appreciated.
Furthermore, agritourism is becoming an essential part of this preservation effort, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the simplicity and authenticity of rural life firsthand. Through activities like farm stays, hands-on agricultural experiences, and tours of local artisans’ workshops, agritourism fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of rural culture. This growing interest in agritourism is not only a means of economic diversification for rural communities but also a powerful tool for cultural education and preservation. By welcoming outsiders into their way of life, rural Americans can share their traditions, ensuring that the values and practices that have defined their communities for generations continue to thrive in the modern world.
The Future of Rural America
The future of rural America hinges on its ability to seamlessly blend modernization with the preservation of its deep-rooted traditions. By embracing advancements in technology, enhancing infrastructure, and safeguarding cultural heritage, rural communities can ensure their continued vibrancy and sustainability. Critical to this balance are initiatives that support and grow local businesses, promote sustainable farming practices, and improve access to education and healthcare. These efforts not only foster economic resilience but also help maintain the unique character and values that define rural life.
Furthermore, the integration of these elements requires a collaborative approach, involving both public and private sectors, as well as active community participation. Local governments and organizations play a vital role in driving these initiatives, whether through providing incentives for sustainable practices, facilitating access to technological resources, or preserving historical sites and local traditions. At the same time, community members are increasingly involved in grassroots efforts to protect their way of life, from organizing cultural events to advocating for better infrastructure.
This holistic approach ensures that rural America can adapt to the demands of the modern world while retaining the qualities that make it a vital part of the nationâs identity. As these communities continue to evolve, they serve as a reminder that progress does not have to come at the expense of tradition, and that with careful planning and commitment, both can coexist harmoniously.
Conclusion
Rural America stands at a pivotal moment, where the delicate balance between tradition and modernization will determine its future. By embracing technological advancements, improving infrastructure, and preserving cultural heritage, these communities can thrive amidst change. The success of rural areas hinges on local initiatives that support small businesses, promote sustainable farming, and enhance access to education and healthcare. As these regions navigate the complexities of the modern world, their ability to integrate progress with their rich traditions will ensure they remain vibrant and resilient, continuing to play a vital role in the nation’s fabric.
“A few years ago, the Colorado Department of Transportation placed an advertising billboard high over Colfax Avenue in Denver reminding drivers to keep their eyes on the road, something that would be impossible to do while also looking at the billboard…
There is a great billboard safety study from a couple years ago suggesting that ‘Removing billboards was associated with a decrease of 30 to 40% in injury crashes, and restoring billboards was associated with an increase of 40 to 50% in injury crashes.’
That shouldn’t be surprising.â
–Wes Marshall, Killed by a Traffic Engineer, Island Press 2024, page 121
âAt Strong Towns, we push back on the concept of a âsolution.â There is no solution to the housing trap we find ourselves in⊠itâs always been an approach⊠People need to be able to try things, to respond to street or opportunity as it presents to them. Those responses need to be incremental, a discipline that expresses humility, allowing us to be wrong in a way that helps, not hurts.â
We need to let our cities fail faster so they can heal faster.
Escaping the Housing Trapis 2024âs entry in Charles Marohnâs Strong Towns series. The first book was Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity (2020), followed by Confessions of A Recovering Engineer: Transportation for a Strong Town (2021), and now Escaping the Housing Trap: The Strong Towns Response to the Housing Crisis, this time with co-author Daniel Herriges.
It seems like everybody is talking about housingâin particular âaffordable housingâ. Marohn & Herriges start off this book with an in-depth discussion of housing finance over the last 100 years. Snoozer, right? No way. Housing as Investment is a great idea for building wealth, unless youâre trying to break into the housing market. This is the first jaw of the housing trap.
Housing as Shelter is the second part of the book and the second jaw of the housing trap. Here the duo break out the diatribes against the evils of zoning and NIMBYism and the joy of YIMBYism we all know. I agree with some. We need to remember thereâs Affordable Housing capitalized, the state-run housing projects, and thereâs affordable housing lower-case as in housing people can afford. The greatest amount of lower-case affordable housing is Manufactured Housing built to meet the HUD Code. Derisively labeled âmobile homesâ, HUD Code housing is often better quality than stick-build structures since they are constructed indoors out of the weather and inspected regularly. We need to allow HUD Code Manufactured Housing wherever we allow stick-build single-family homes.
I donât agree with other parts of this section. The small town I work in doesnât allow on-street parkingâthe streets are narrow brick already. That slows people down, but thereâs not enough room for parking even when the snow plows arenât out. Plus thereâs no transit so almost everybody has cars. More generally, there is no really functional mass transit and eliminating parking wonât create enough demand to fund small systems for rural areas.
A lot of it is context. There are parts of the Strong Towns approach Iâm struggling with. Zoning is not evil in itself. Zoning was intended to protect public health, welfare, and safety, as affirmed by the US Supreme Court in the landmark case Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co, the source of the term âEuclidean Zoningâ. Yes, some people used zoning to exclude people based on race and income, but not everybody everywhere. When I was younger I lived in old homes which had been cut up into small apartmentsâthey provided affordable housing, at the expense of destroying beautiful neighborhoods of single-family homes. On the other hand, as a Zoning Administrator I became really tired of arguing with people who wanted to stick an accessory apartment in the basement for their kids, when it was just like places I had lived myself.
Housing in a Strong Town is the third part of the book. Where Part I explains the cost of housing, and Part II tries to explain the constraints on building new housing, Part III is a âresponseâ not a âsolutionâ to the housing crisis. âAt Strong Towns, we see cities as complex, not merely complicated. Understanding the difference is essential.â Understanding cities as complex adaptive systems, rather than rigid mechanical systems, is a radical change in perspective for urban planning and development. We have developed tools such as zoning to protect optimized urban systemsâlocking them in amber, so to speakâwhile the world around us is constantly changing. Personally, I know this on a molecular level yet I struggle with it daily. Like Chris Gibbonsâ idea of Economic Gardening, compared to traditional industrial recruitment, this perspective looks at complexity as messy, and chaotic, yet essential. Adaptation and response is the norm, not static stability.
There are tools offered towards the ends of more affordable housing, such as:
· Rapidly add new housing units at affordable prices
· Not adversely impact the existing housing market
· Allow for the flow of capital into the community, but slow the flow of capital out of the community
· Grow the city’s tax base without adding to the liabilities of local government
Part III wraps by presenting Principals of a New Approach to Housing. A ânew paradigm for housingâ focuses on what can be done, now, with resources available.
No Neighborhood Can Be Exempt from Change: Strong Towns has been calling for increasing densities for a long time, although Charles also continues to deny that. âBy necessity, change means adding housing units. It means the neighborhood thickens up, maturing over time⊠The next increment of development intensity needs to be allowed by right.â Where single-family homes are allowed, we ought to allow duplexes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). We need âgentle-ficationâ of Missing Middle Housing. Thatâs a great idea, in theory, but not always an easy idea to implement.
No Neighborhood Should Experience Radical Change: Hereâs where the message comes back to earth. Just as in the call for incremental densification, the authors call for no more than incremental change. Development is, like Money Ball, a game of bunts and singles. Hedge your bets.
There must be a Low Bar of Entry to Obtaining Housing: Start small, add small, stay flexible. How many cities restrict housing units to a minimum of 800 square feet? The International Residential Code (IRC building code) treats any home larger than 400 square feet the same, as long as they have sleeping, kitchen, and bathroom facilities. Now IRC also has Appendix Q for âTiny Housesâ smaller than 400 square feet.
Housing Must Be Part of a Neighborhood-Level Economic Ecosystem: Corner shops are a great idea, if you are buffered and not living next door. Heck, how about bringing back the corner pub? Yet theyâre not going to eliminate the need for parking outside of Metro Areas. Make it easier to build less parking, yes, but enough with the war on cars.
Public Infrastructure Investments Must Focus on Where People Struggle to Use the City as it has Been Built:
1. Observe where people in the community struggle.
2. Then ask the question: What is the next smallest thing we an do right now to address that struggle?
3. Do that thing. Do it right now.
4. Repeat.
Maintaining a Sense of Urgency: As they say âWe are not providing a solution but a mechanism for solutions to emerge from within complexity.â The rest of Part III presents ideas for making incremental change easier and cheaper. We need more small housing developers. We need to make it easier to finance small housing development. We need to build Strong Towns.
Originally published in the APA Small Town & Rural Planning News, Summer 2024.
Looks like we’re Nebraska bound. I love New Mexico green chile and history and warm winters, but I have a great opportunity with a new consulting firm in a small town half-way between the here and home. That and Albuquerque has many advantages, but personal safety is not one of them, and Colorado is full.
So back to the flatland prairies of US 81, just a bit farther south than Fargo was. I will still be doing comprehensive plans, zoning regulations, and economic development projects, just a bit more in the middle of everything. Looking forward to working with small towns and rural areas planning for a great future in the Great Plains and Mountain West.
Spain wanted trade to go through Mexico, but after independence local merchants and gringo traders established the Santa Fe Trail. William Becknell blazed a trail from the Missouri River across the tall grass prairies of Kansas into the dry, dry high plains of Colorado and New Mexico. When he was welcomed on the Santa Fe Plaza rather than arrested, the next year (1822) the Santa Fe Trail was officially in business. By 1825, goods were being traded from Santa Fe to points further south and west. The Mountain Route crossed Raton Pass–a difficult route, but the water was more reliable. The more direct Cimarron Route was shorter and faster but water was scarce. It still is.
In 1848, following the Mexican-American War, the United States gained New Mexico and Santa Fe became the oldest territorial, later (in 1912) State capital in the US. The Santa Fe Trail fell into disuse as the railroads built west. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad (ATSF) crossed Raton Pass in 1878-79 and reached Santa Fe in 1880. The route was later paralleled by US Route 66. Today 200 years later you can, like us, follow the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. In a lot of places the landscape hasn’t changed much and you can still see vast prairies and wagon wheel ruts tracing the pioneers’ route West.
The jcshepard.com blog took a break this year as we worked out some technical details… and worked through the COVID-19 pandemic. We moved to New Mexico the first of the year, then went to work from home in March. August was a tough month personally with my mom passing on and with the site servers far far away. We saved the site (ahem, my beautiful web maven saved the site), but the page redirects are a work in progress! Who would have thought working from home would be so difficult, but the bandwidth gods frowned on my hopes and dreams for broadband at home.
Our top post this year is six years and three moves behind us now: Cheyenne-Laramie County, Wyoming, Historical Timeline. They cancelled Cheyenne Frontier Days this year. More important to our family, my daughter moved back to Cheyenne this year, had to postpone her wedding in Cheyenne, then moved back out of Cheyenne. Perhaps I will be back in Cheyenne in the coming year. We’ll see.
The most popular new post for 2020 was Absaroka County, New Mexico, posted from beautiful downtown Las Vegas, New Mexico, reporting on Sheriff Walt Longmire’s now shuttered office as the first round of pandemic shutdowns were (briefly) lifting.
Moving the site in August skewed the stats, but WordPress tells me we had 1,266 views from 952 visitors this year. We always get more traffic when we can post more content (makes sense!), so we’ll see what the new year brings.
Americana Music 2020
On the music side, I scrobbled more music in 2020 than any other year. Work from Home does that to a guy. I didn’t play so much of the Americana Music Association radio-play and awards nominations as usual. More Real Country music comfort food for the ears.
Corb Lund was the only show I saw during the year, and he got the most play and the top played track, “Old Men”. Erin Enderlin’s album Faulkner County earned the most plays, mostly because I bought that 4 months before Corb’s Agricultural Tragic (and that didn’t show up on Spotify until 3 months after that). I played a lot of Steve Earle, too.
RIP to the many great artists we lost in 2020. Kenny Rogers, Charley Pride, John Prine, and so many more.
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