-
-
-
-
-
Sankta Lucia: Shining a Light on our Darkest Days
Sankta Lucia, or Saint Lucy’s Day, is one of Sweden’s most beloved midwinter traditions, blending Christian sainthood with older Nordic light-in-the-darkness customs. It is celebrated on December 13 and marks a kind of ceremonial opening of the Christmas season in Sweden and other parts of Scandinavia. On the old Julian calendar, Lucia fell on what…
-
-
What Makes a Small Town Thrive?
Why does your town exist? What makes your community thrive? How is that for holiday time existential questions? Recently I revisited a recording by Minnesota Public Radio of a community meeting up in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in the heart of 10,000 lakes country. Two University of Minnesota Extension educators in the Community Vitality program, Ben…
-
The 12 Planning & Sustainability Books You Need in 2026
The fields of urban and rural planning, community development, and sustainability are evolving faster than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, the right planning books and sustainability books can offer fresh insights, practical tools, and long-term vision. This curated list is a mix of casual and academic reads—including new releases…
-
-
Rural Mainstreet Index: From Five‑Year Low to Fragile “Recovery”
Despite a slight rebound from October’s five‑year low, Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index report shows the Midwest & Northern Rockies heartland still mired below growth neutral, with weak grain prices, soft ag land values, and cautious rural bankers keeping recession risks elevated. November’s RMI: Off the Floor, Still in the Red The Rural Mainstreet…