Rural Development: A Scan of Field Practice and Trends

View this Publication

What must happen for economic development to foster a more prosperous, healthier, equitable and environmentally sustainable rural America? This scan of field practice begins with an overview of the main economic theories and policy frameworks that guide and influence the practice of economic development, particularly in a rural context. This leads to a presentation of the results of qualitative research on economic development practice and how it is evolving, based on a series of interviews with over 40 experts representing a range of perspectives on economic development. It concludes with a commentary on how economic development can foster a more prosperous, healthier, equitable and environmentally sustainable rural America.

A publication of Thrive Rural – an effort of the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute with initial support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation – aims to create a shared framework and understanding about what it will take for communities and Native nations across the rural United States to be healthy places where everyone belongs, lives with dignity, and thrives. Thrive Rural intentionally brings into focus the convergence of racial, economic and geographic inequity in rural America. Thrive Rural elevates what works and what’s needed to bridge health with community and economic development, and connects the shared aims, reality and prospects of rural America with all of America.

Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group
Latest From Aspen CSG
Case Study
When Communities Keep Flooding: A Rural Environmental Justice Case Study

This short case study has insights and tips on address the causes and conditions contributing to flooding in rural places, as well as to envision and build thriving futures of equitable rural prosperity.

Event
Broadband technician working
Designing Scalable Co-Funding Solutions for Broadband and Digital Equity

Dec. 12th, 2023, 5PM

Join this webinar for way to unlock private and philanthropic contributions to help public broadband and digital inclusion funding reach underserved communities.

Blog
Natural disaster response workers moving sand bags
Rural Disaster Preparedness: Partnering for Resilience & Resources

Event recap blog with resources and big-picture insights on rural disaster preparedness.

Tool
Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design

CIRD empowers local citizens to use their unique artistic and cultural resources to guide local development and shape the future design of their communities.

Event
Field Based Rural Placemaking:  What Works Fast, Now, and on a Shoestring

Nov. 2nd, 2023, 2PM

Join this webinar for concrete placemaking strategies and takeaways relevant to rural communities of every size—even the most isolated and least resourced.

Blog
From Competition to Cooperation: Insights on Rural Wealth Creation

Insights from rural practitioners who are advancing equitable prosperity and economic development in a way that embraces and strengthens the unique assets of rural regions.