At Aspen CSG, we believe that thriving regions are built on the shared, interconnected, and interdependent success of rural and urban communities. Across the country, rural and urban areas are deeply linked through economic, cultural, and environmental ties. Yet, these connections are often overlooked or undervalued in traditional development strategies.
Our work emphasizes the importance of regional collaboration to address systemic challenges and unlock opportunities that benefit all parts of a region (and all the people in the region) — because strong regions require strong urban and rural foundations.
Rural communities contribute critical resources to regional economies, including agricultural production and related suppliers, renewable energy, small to mid-sized manufacturing, small business development, and cultural richness. Meanwhile, urban areas offer vital markets, infrastructure, and institutions that sustain rural prosperity.
However, while urban and suburban regions are the largest population centers and are major drivers of the knowledge and financial sectors of the economy, they produce very little of what they consume.
Rural regions contain roughly 20% of the population and steward 99% of the nation’s land and the vast majority of its water, food production, and natural resources. It is vital for the nation’s success and the well-being of each and every person that rural communities and regions are healthy and vibrant, so that this interconnected and interdependent relationship can thrive.
By acting together as a region, urban and rural communities can pool resources, share knowledge, and create strategies to address persistent inequities and build more resilient economies. Our reports, case studies, and convenings provide actionable insights on fostering these partnerships and bridging the fallacy of an “urban-rural divide.”
The Rural Development Hubs model exemplifies this approach, showcasing how place-rooted organizations can connect rural communities across broader regions, leveraging regional assets to drive equitable development. Hubs like these serve as catalysts for collaboration, fostering solutions that improve regional outcomes. From increasing access to broadband and affordable housing to addressing workforce challenges, Hubs demonstrate that aligning urban and rural priorities creates lasting benefits for all. We also collaborate with partners nationwide to explore practical ways for regions to use cohesive approaches in their work.
The “Act as a Region” building block of our Thrive Rural Framework offers tools and strategies for communities to break down silos, amplify collective impact, and develop policies that strengthen both urban and rural areas.
By prioritizing interdependence, we can reimagine regional development to ensure every rural or urban community has a seat at the table and an equitable share in the region’s success. Together, we’re building a future where regions thrive because all their parts thrive.
