How To: Building Progress in Rural America

We need to make the most of the opportunities rural America has to offer. [] [Continue reading...]( How To: Building Progress in Rural America [ The changing nature of the rural economy, coupled with persistent gaps in unemployment and poverty rates between metro and non-metro counties, underscores the necessity for a new framework. This framework must prioritize building resilient rural communities by empowering them from the bottom up and leveraging their existing assets and knowledge. Despite national economic growth, many rural communities have yet to recover from the Great Recession, with non-metropolitan counties still lagging in employment levels. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the vulnerabilities of rural areas, including the closure of rural hospitals, deep poverty, and limited access to federal resources. Moreover, historical approaches to rural development have often focused disproportionately on agriculture while neglecting the diverse needs of rural communities. The lack of a centralized strategy and structure has resulted in fragmented efforts across various agencies. To address these challenges, I propose the creation of a specialized and well-resourced Rural Opportunity Administration dedicated solely to rural economic development. This administration would facilitate a bottom-up approach to rural development, empowering communities to identify and capitalize on their unique assets. Additionally, we must strengthen rural labor markets by enacting federal laws to raise wages, expand benefits, and promote collective bargaining. This will not only improve economic opportunities but also address persistent inequalities in rural areas, including racial disparities in wealth and employment. In conclusion, rethinking rural development policy is essential to ensure the prosperity and resilience of rural communities. By investing in these communities from the ground up and prioritizing their unique needs, we can build a more equitable and sustainable future for all Americans. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. [( [Chip in]( Stay in touch by replying to this email and suggesting how No Dem Left Behind can help generate blue votes in your area? Thank you! You can [Unsubscribe]( from these mailings at any time if you no longer wish to support Democrats in 2024?