Small towns and rural communities may not always get the attention they deserve, and it’s easy for their needs to be eclipsed by larger cities. Small town needs are ever-changing and unique to their respective locations.
While some rural communities have experienced a downward trend between 2010 and 2020, the numbers are complex and not universally applicable. Still, many of these areas can use help, as they are facing steep population declines, according to FWD. us. This bipartisan political organization says in the last 20 years departures from rural counties outweighed new arrivals by 700,000 people.
Empowering rural communities and helping them grow comes down to some key areas of focus.
• Create a walkable Main Street. Planning boards can carefully consider where well-thought-out development should go. While it’s important to maintain the integrity of the rural community without too much building, having a walkable and attractive town center where businesses can thrive is key. Families can live close by to daily destinations, and this may encourage more people to relocate to or stay in these areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Help for farmers. Government officials need to hear more about the challenges farmers face. Tom Vilsack, former Iowa governor and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture during the Obama and Biden administrations, says programs like the Climate Smart Commodities Program can help farmers. This program pays farmers a premium for using sustainable agriculture tools, or practices that make use of innovative farm products that produce renewable energy. Farms that work efficiently and lower the burden of labor on farmers are a boon for rural communities. U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics indicate the majority of farmers in the United States have to supplement their incomes with off-farm jobs because smaller farms simply can’t keep up to make ends meet. Fighting for policies that keep more money going to small farms can strengthen rural communities.
• Improve infrastructure and resources. Rural communities need access to the right resources in order to thrive. Improving access to high-speed internet, for example, can bring new business and educational initiatives to rural areas and small towns.
Lenders can be more rec eptive to local entrepreneurs to help stimulate economic growth and job creation in these communities, according to the professional development group StrengthenND. Priority also should be given to improving roadways so residents can safely get to and from homes, stores and businesses.
• Protect open spaces. Rural communities can rally to protect the landscape and help preserve open spaces. Focus also should be placed on providing places for recreation, and not only for local residents. Such features can make smaller towns more appealing to tourists, which in turn can increase investments in the local economy. Small towns and rural communities can use certain strategies to foster growth and sustainability.
