Communities Unlimited’s Post

ICYMI: LEO | Roadmap to Rural Prosperity Released to Equip Michigan’s Rural Communities with Strategies to Build Long-Term Prosperity - Michigan’s Office of Rural Prosperity releases the State’s first-ever report focused on the challenges rural communities face and how to overcome them https://bit.ly/3HtiMes

LEO | Roadmap to Rural Prosperity Released to Equip Michigan’s Rural Communities with Strategies to Build Long-Term Prosperity - Michigan’s Office of Rural Prosperity releases the State’s first-ever report focused on the challenges rural communities face and how to overcome them https://bit.ly/494rgEB

With all of the noise of erroneous and harmful rural narratives in mainstream media, a couple of my wonderful colleagues (Essence Smith and Daniel Elkin) and the Partners for Rural Transformation wanted to set the record straight. Rural resilience is not a myth, nor a hope for the future. Rural resilience is and has been the reality, despite unjust policies, resource extraction, and chronic disinvestment. Rural America is strong, creative, and is a vital part of our national economy, and deserves the respect and investment to reflect this. Read below to learn our perspective of rural that is rooted in strength, growth, equity, and innovation. https://lnkd.in/eyUnMuv4

From the hollers in Appalachia to the colonias in rural South Texas, rural America breeds innovation. Mainstream discussions about rural America often ignore or forget this fact, though. At PRT, we know firsthand how that feels & how to combat it - by simply getting real about rural. Check out our latest publication, "Innovation Is Rural," via @DailyYonder!

Empowering rural America is key to our nation’s prosperity. Through programs like the USDA Rural Development and the Inflation Reduction Act, we're bringing essential resources to rural communities, fostering job creation, and advancing clean energy. Envision a future where every hometown thrives. 🌾🏡 Read more: https://ow.ly/jvC050Swe2q #RuralDevelopment #SupportRural #EconomicDevelopment #SustainableFuture

Rural prosperity means resilient, connected rural residents, businesses, communities, and natural environments. Ensuring prosperity for rural Michigan requires a holistic vision that recognizes how existing and historic workforce and population trends, resource and capacity needs, and patterns of investment have impacted, and will continue to impact, communities. The Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) led the development of this Roadmap to Rural Prosperity Report (the Roadmap) with extensive engagement from rural community leaders to illustrate the trends impacting rural Michigan and uplift the priorities of rural communities for achieving long-term prosperity. By synthesizing input from rural residents and community leaders on key rural challenges and opportunities, Roadmap aims to give voice to rural communities, foster a statewide understanding of rural needs and priorities, and help guide local, regional, and state leaders in advancing collaborative and collective action to achieve prosperity across rural Michigan. Check out the report: https://lnkd.in/dqPEFDac

We are pleased to announce that Localis (think tank) has just released a comprehensive publication featuring insights from a diverse group of policy experts, local government leaders, and industry bodies. The publication comprises of 14 essays that explore various visions for a planning system that not only supports development but also wins the backing of communities. Among the notable contributions, our very own Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, has penned a thought-provoking essay on "Rural Affordable Housing: Understanding Rural Needs." Kerry’s essay in the Localis collection, explores in depth the unique challenges and requirements of rural communities in terms of housing. Kerry highlights the crucial need for affordable housing solutions that are tailored to the specific circumstances of rural areas, which are often overlooked in broader housing policy debates. Read Kerry's essay and explore the entire collection of insights from 13 other contributors. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of rural development and planning. ➡ Read the full publication here: https://lnkd.in/ecKKmDwk #RuralDevelopment #AffordableHousing #CommunityPlanning #LocalGovernment #SustainableDevelopment #RuralHomes

Is there a conflict between rural communities and urban centers? Is the struggle real? I would say that it certainly feels that way. We could use this space to bemoan how rural communities are neglected (yah, they kind of are), that there are policies that work against rural towns (yup, that's true too but the real culprits do not all sit in one political camp, it's from both of them), or that there are larger economic forces at work (certainly true there with globalism). On the other hand, I once had a conversation with someone from a larger town who [lightly and politely] complained that my small town got a per capita larger piece of the pie from a particular funding source. But the fact remains that 1) some rural towns are also hesitant to change or they lack the leadership to get involved in the political process. 2) these small towns are also resitant to face current economic realities and adapt. Bottom line is this - its time for rural grit to step up, shake off old conventions, and "improvise, adapt, and overcome'!

Working towards a brighter future for rural communities and Native nations? Subscribe to our newsletter for webinar invites, case studies, and actionable steps toward building healthier, more inclusive communities. https://lnkd.in/dXpvUuzn

What makes rural communities different compared to urban communities? When it comes to political structures and informing policy in rural areas, it's important to have an understanding of the unique socioeconomics, needs, and perspectives of rural residents. One of our seed grant teams, led by Dr. Kristin Olofsson, explored how we can build resilience in rural communities through policy response. Dr. Olofsson's team interviewed rural residents in Southwest Oklahoma to gain an understanding of the complex problems in rural communities and their perspectives on rural issues. Findings revealed that rural communities point to a complex range of internal and external factors associated with their biggest challenges. Results also showed that ultimately it's not political affiliations that define rural issues for residents, but locality. You can learn more about the fascinating results of this study in their recent publication: Rurality, Resilience, & Identity A Soft Systems Methodology Approach to Understanding Self-Reported Issues in Rural America. https://lnkd.in/gj_7gXdx