rural economy

The Rural Development Innovation Group has identified and highlighted what’s working in rural community and economic development, and championed thoughtful policy and investment recommendations, all with the goal of moving rural America forward.

The Rural Development Innovation Group has identified and highlighted what’s working in rural community and economic development, and championed thoughtful policy and investment recommendations, all with the goal of moving rural America forward.

Knowing what is true about rural places and people is a challenge. Too often, people lump all of rural America into one “flyover-country” stereotype. But saying that all of rural America is the same is like saying Detroit and San Francisco are the same, or Birmingham and Boston. This brief shares a few truths worth knowing about rural America.

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.

Rural Development Hubs advance an asset-based, wealth-building approach to rural community and economic development.

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.