The National League of Cities and the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, with support from EDA and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, highlight how urban and rural communities thrive when economically connected through shared industry clusters, infrastructure, and workforce pipelines. Their research shows that nearly 40% of county jobs link to regional clusters, with rural areas especially benefiting from connectivity that boosts employment, wages, and equity across places and racial groups. The report identifies key drivers—including strong business ecosystems, broadband access, workforce alignment, and regional organizations—and offers strategies to build inclusive innovation, expand digital access, and strengthen collaboration across boundaries. Case studies, such as the aerospace cluster in the Coeur d’Alene–Spokane region, demonstrate how intentional connectivity fosters resilience and adaptability. These findings align closely with Aspen CSG’s emphasis on cross-sector regional strategies, where local and regional leaders bridge divides to build equitable, resilient economies that leverage the full breadth of regional assets.
KEY FACTORS AND STRATEGIES FOR URBAN AND RURAL COMMUNITIES
