Rural Communities

Rural America has a problem with its image, one that
may come to haunt both the Trump administration and the
Democrats as they try to address the region’s problems and
promote economic development.

"Clean, reliable water is critical to a healthy economy," Tester said. "These resources will help Montana communities make essential infrastructure upgrades, support good-paying jobs, and increase access to clean drinking water and wastewater.

The future of rural America depends on attracting younger generations to make a life in smaller communities. That means listening to young people, responding to their interests, and sharing power.

America’s cultural divide runs deep. While rural and urban Americans share some economic challenges, they frequently diverge on questions of culture and values. On few issues are they more at odds than immigration.

Public programs that invest in rural America reduce poverty and expand the economy, an economist tells the Senate ag committee. Senators must exercise leadership to preserve these effective programs.

Cliff Harris knew he wanted more music in his life, so when a historic theater re-opened in his small Michigan town, he thought it was the perfect opportunity to start a blues jam. Only problem? The college chemistry professor didn’t really know what a blues jam was.

"Rural is not simple to define, perhaps because the real question is rural for what purpose?"

Whether you look at median income or per capita income, the poorest places in the nation are rural and they are overwhelmingly white.

Over the next few years, the federal government will consider many policies that affect rural economies.

Rural advocates and political leaders respond to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue’s announcement that he will eliminate the undersecretary position that oversees programs for rural housing, broadband, electricity, water treatment, and other services.