Rural regions across the United States have faced dramatic changes during the past several decades with the rise of globalization, loss of manufacturing jobs and a persistent brain drain as young people migrate to urban areas. We hear about declining populations, rising poverty rates, and crumbling infrastructure. Yet that picture isn’t entirely accurate. The spirit of innovation and collaboration is alive in an increasing number of rural communities and clusters, leveraging the power of the arts, local food culture, and entrepreneurship to become thriving innovation hubs. In turn, rural innovation is helping to develop new creative economies that are inspiring new investments, attracting and retaining talent, while amplifying community pride and elevating quality of place. This panel will explore rural innovation through the lens of creative placemaking, food hubs and Main Street revitalization, using case studies that speak to each. Audience members will learn from the work of the
Citizens Institute on Rural Design,
The Levitt Foundation’s AMP program, the
National Main Street Center’s small town main streets initiatives, and programs aimed at building food security while supporting broader community development goals. The panelists will provide examples in fulfillment of the following learning objectives: How rural communities can build upon existing assets to spark place-based initiatives in their communities, How a community-led approach to rural innovation can lead to increased resiliency and sustainability while embracing increasingly diverse demographics, How rural communities form partnerships to develop the framework for rural clusters, How to promote and achieve economic innovation and support local food networks in small communities.
