Rural Capacity Map

To help identify communities with limited capacity, Headwaters Economics created a new Rural Capacity Index on a scale of 0 (low capacity) to 100 (high capacity). The Index is based on 10 variables that can function as proxies for community capacity. The variables incorporate metrics related to local government staffing, community education and engagement, and socioeconomic trends.

Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group
Latest From CSG
publication
Through Natural Disaster to Prosperity: A Call to Action — Executive Summary

Executive Summary document for Through Natural Disaster to Prosperity: A Call to Action. Get quick takeaways and recommendations for action.

blog
A summer street festival, with vendors under canopies on a hot day.
Recent Learnings from (and for) the Rural Field

New opportunities with value to rural and Native nation communities are being generated across fields, from public health to environmental justice and beyond. Check out a few ideas and opportunities to help spur equitable rural prosperity in your community.

publication
Communicating for Connection: West Virginia Community Development Hub

This short case study has insight and tips on how communities that have been historically and systematically excluded can develop authentic and effective leadership that builds power to challenge the status quo.

blog
Five high school students sit around a table in the library
Advancing the Next Generation of Rural and Indigenous Leaders

Insights and tips to identify, establish, and sustain youth leadership in rural and Indigenous communities.

media
Commentary: Challenging Everything We Know about Funding as a Path to Thriving Rural Communities

In an op-ed for Daily Yonder, Bonita Robertson-Hardy of the Community Strategies Group writes on how rural communities, funders, and other stakeholders’ approach to economic development can mean the difference between success and stagnation.

publication
Building Power Together: Sustainable Forestry and African-American Land Retention Network

This short case study has insight and tips on how communities that have been historically and systematically excluded can develop authentic and effective leadership that builds power to challenge the status quo.

event
Advancing the Next Generation of Rural and Indigenous Leaders

Feb. 10th, 2023, 1PM

How is your community thinking and acting on the issue of next generation leadership?