Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Americana
In last week’s article, we looked at the growing challenge rural communities face in maintaining essential community facilities. But what if some of those same buildings—often seen as liabilities—are actually among the most valuable assets for rural economic development that a community already has? Historic Sites and Places as Community Facilities In many rural communities, […]
How international trade shapes rural economic development — and what communities can do about it. Economic Development Series — Article 5 On a quiet morning in a rural farming community, a producer checks commodity prices before heading into the fields. What appears to be a local decision — when to harvest, when to sell — […]
November: A Month of Praxis & Implementation in Rural Communities What if rural change doesn’t mean waiting— but building? This November, we’re digging deep into the real force behind rural progress: the partnership of praxis and implementation. This isn’t about jargon or top-down plans. It’s not about importing urban models or chasing buzzwords. It’s about […]
While entrepreneurs bring the ideas and drive, planners and policymakers create the conditions that help those ventures thrive.
In most of rural America, job creation isn’t about attracting new employers—it’s about making sure the businesses you already have can thrive. In our previous article, we explored how a diverse rural economy—spanning manufacturing, tourism, public services, and more—provides a strong foundation for resilience. In coming weeks we’ll explore entrepreneurship and the creative economy, and […]
When people picture small town and rural America, agriculture is often the first—and sometimes only—industry that comes to mind. But the truth is far richer and more complex. From manufacturing and mining to tourism and public service, rural economies and economic development across the United States are powered by a wide array of industries that […]
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.”
Jane Jacobs
We’re not the only ones thinking about community resilience and planning for hazards and disasters. In fact, the US has been experiencing an entire year’s worth of hazards in February, from blizzards to sever flooding to wildfires. These events often hit historic downtown areas especially hard. The Main Street America organization offered a webinar on […]
Implementing arts-driven community and economic development to improve the places we live and love. Seasonal arts and culture ideas can be powerful drivers of economic growth in communities large and small, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and fostering local engagement. For community planners and economic developers, these initiatives act as valuable “cultural anchors,” stabilizing local economies […]
