I’ve been asked, “What’s the first thing my small town should do to kick start economic development?” Good question. First thing, ask yourself what you mean by “economic development”. Fifty years ago, that might have meant raising money and giving away tax incentives. A lot of places still live in that world, and sometimes you…
Why Community-Driven Development Works This article continues our November series: From Ideas to Action — A Month of Praxis and Implementation in Rural Communities. In week four, we spotlight the engine room of rural resilience: community and economic development. In small towns, these aren’t just planning categories—they’re everyday work. It’s neighbors drafting grant applications, local…
Rural communities rely on agriculture—not just as an economic driver, but as a foundation for long-term stability and environmental sustainability. However, land degradation, climate change, and shifting market conditions are forcing many communities to rethink how they support local agriculture. Sustainable agriculture offers a way forward, but it requires more than just individual farmers adopting…
