Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Americana
Downtowns are enjoying a renaissance as the malls across suburban America shrivel up and get bulldozed by the dozens. It wasn’t so many years ago the big legacy department stores like Sears and Wards fled downtowns for the malls. Now those stores are no more—replaced in turn by Amazon and its online copycats—while the authenticity […]
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, […]
Rural innovation doesn’t always look like flashy tech hubs or billion-dollar startups. More often, it takes the form of community-driven projects that reimagine local spaces, harness cultural assets, and strengthen social and economic connections. From Main Street revitalization to broadband expansion, from creative placemaking to cross-sector collaboration, small towns are proving that innovation in economic […]
Planning Practice at a Crossroads—Tradition, Technology, and the Natural World Rural communities are at a pivotal moment. Faced with shifting demographics, economic restructuring, and intensifying climate pressures, the planning profession is evolving rapidly. And with that evolution comes a wealth of opportunity—for rural areas to not only adapt but to lead with creativity, resilience, and […]
