Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Americana
Clean energy is driving a quiet revolution in rural America—not just through wind farms and solar panels, but through a rediscovery of local power, community resilience, and land-based innovation. Is the future of rural America to be found in our past? Author L. Michelle Moore thinks there are lessons there, especially for small towns and […]
By Bob Shepard County Fair Memories in Rural Michigan I remember the Shiawassee County Free Fair as a great gathering of rural folks with many youth bringing the culmination of their 4-H projects to be judged, whether they were of blue, red, or white ribbon caliber or even grand champion worthy. The county fair had […]
A team at McKinsey & Company explored this question earlier this year–there are many different “right” answers to who is rural. They pick up on the USDA ERS Rural-Urban Continuum codes and use this lens to look more closely at common characteristics of rural counties across the US. What did they find? In other words, the […]
In an historic, red brick warehouse where old cars once were assembled, the world of rural art now finds a home at the Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art. This new facility brings an old building back to life serving a role in art appreciation and cultural preservation. In 1880, there was a livery stable […]
Community disaster preparedness is essential as communities across the United States—particularly in rural areas—face challenges from natural disasters, economic disruptions, and demographic and environmental changes. Strengthening resilience means preparing for and withstanding shocks, recovering quickly, and adapting for the long term. But how can these resilience strategies be effectively applied to rural planning? A wealth […]
Small cities and rural communities are moving away from the traditional economic development approach of trying to attract big new industries and instead focusing on fostering local, homegrown economic opportunities. In 2025, building sustainable rural economies means empowering local entrepreneurs, supporting small businesses, and emphasizing sustainable practices that ensure long-term growth. This post explores key […]
Aging in Rural America – As the population of rural America continues to age, planning for elder care has become a critical issue. While rural life is often celebrated for its close-knit communities and quiet, pastoral landscapes, it also presents significant challenges when it comes to providing care for an aging population. From access to […]
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 unfolding—one […]
Today is the opening of the 2011 Murray County Fair. The booths are going up. The 4-H kids are showing their kids (and bunnies and horses and hogs). The Milk Producers have the Dairy stand turning out chocolate (and raspberry and strawberry) shakes malts and the Pork Producers have the Pork stand turning out pulled pork sandwiches and […]
