rural communities

Thrive Rural will work closely with community and economic development, health and civic engagement experts across the nation to create a shared vision and understanding about what it will take to create dynamic, sustainable rural communities where all people can realize their full potential and live healthy lives.

Nearly 200 CEOs of world-leading corporations have now signed on to the notion that their reason for being includes not just shareholders, but how well their employees, host communities, the environment and supply chains benefit.

The most recent America’s Rural Opportunity event brought together panelists from a forest collaborative, tribal government, environmental group and stewardship organization in Idaho and Oregon. Together, they explored how tension brought about by changes in natural resource management and local economies has catalyzed new alliances among interests that have been polarized for decades.

This executive summary explains why Rural Development Hubs are important, how they work, and what it takes to do that work. It also discusses policy levers and enabling environments that can strengthen Rural Development Hubs, and that foster community and economic development that advances both equity and prosperity.

Scenes from an Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group workshop at Camp McDowell.