Policy & Data
Federal Farm Bill: Big Impacts in Rural Communities
Rural Development Initiatives (RDI)
Despite its name, the Farm Bill impacts far more than just farmers and ranchers. It’s a complex package of federal legislation signed into law every five years that has sweeping effects. Rural Development Initiatives explains what’s in the Farm Bill and what it could mean for rural communities if the Farm Bill is not extended.
ENSURING AN EQUITABLE JUST TRANSITION
RMI
RMI presents a comprehensive review of state legislation that supports coal communities and workers facing economic transition mapped onto our policy framework.
Health, Work, and Care in Rural America
New America
Drawing on original research, this report offers a clear case for why guaranteed public paid leave policies should be considered a social determinant of health for rural people just as access to health care facilities and other economic stability indicators are. Paid leave could improve the health, wellbeing, and economic security of rural workers and families, and increase the economic competitiveness of America’s rural communities.
2023 COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS
The University Of Wisconsin Population Health Institute
County Health Rankings & Roadmaps (CHR&R) brings actionable data, evidence, guidance and stories to support community-led efforts to grow community power and improve health equity. The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI) created CHR&R for communities across the nation, with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
RURAL WELL-BEING: GEOGRAPHIES OF OPPORTUNITY
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
Rural Well-being: Geography of Opportunities presents the latest iteration of the OECD’s policy framework on rural development. This newly updated framework reflects several important changes in rural development in recent years and takes advantage of the organisation’s latest evidence-based analysis to improve understanding of the diverse and complex socio-economic systems that exist in rural places along with their connection to cities.
Blue Ribbon Commission Report
Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity
The Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity taps local perspectives on long-term, recent and future economic challenges facing the people, communities and businesses that make rural Wisconsin shine—and to turn ideas into action that increases economic activity and improves the quality of life for future generations.
REGIONAL FOOD HUB RESOURCE GUIDE
United States Department of Agriculture
This USDA resource guide is designed to give readers a greater understanding of what regional food hubs are, their impacts, strategies to assist their success and growth, and direction on where to find financial resources to support them.
ONE APPALACHIA: CONNECTION AND COLLABORATION
Appalachian Regional Commission
YouTube recording of the The Appalachian Regional Commission event One Appalachia: Connection and Collaboration.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
One-pager highlighting general policy approach of economic development and recent policy changes.
REGIONAL MULTISTATE COLLABORATION TOOLKIT
Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economics (ARISE)
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and American Institutes for Research (AIR) share case studies, insights and takeaways from practitioners and resources.
DECREASING FLOOD RISK IN THE MIDWEST WITH REGIONAL COLLABORATIONS
Headwaters Economics
A regional approach to flood risk can help communities pool resources and implement effective solutions. Five case studies offer lessons.
ASPEN INSTITUTE FOOD & SOCIETY PROGRAM
Aspen Institute Food & Society
Food & Society at the Aspen Institute brings together leaders from across the food system—public health experts, policymakers, researchers, farmers,...