Enhancing the Value of the Rural Experience Through Improved Connectivity

The purpose of this paper is to examine the proposition that improved connectivity, specifically through the use of broadband telecommunications, may be an important factor in enhancing the value of the “rural experience” and in so doing, improving the economic prospects for rural communities. This paper is one of a series focusing on wealth-building in rural America. The paper begins with a discussion of the current issues and perceived opportunities associated with the introduction and expansion of broadband telecommunications in rural America. It continues with a number of perspectives on the “rural experience” and in particular on those natural assets in rural areas that have potential for economic development. It concludes with some assessment of the possible benefits of broadband connectivity for the identification, stewardship, and leverage of natural assets through the medium of entrepreneurship

The Status of Women In Missouri: A Comprehensive Report of Leading Indicators and Findings

The status of women in Missouri reflects the status of women throughout the United States. Missouri women have the same opportunities, but also face similar challenges. The Institute of Public Policy, in concert with an academic advisory committee at the University of Missouri, has worked diligently to examine existing data, analyze actionable steps at the state level, and understand women's successes and challenges through a series of focus groups across the state. These focus groups gave the researchers the opportunity to hear from very engaged and diverse groups of women, and also a group of men

Wealth Building in Rural America: Perspective, Knowledge, Outlook

Wealth Building in Rural America: Perspective, Knowledge, Outloo

Overview of Rural America: Past, Present, and Future

Rural America is a diverse and changing place. Small-town America, the family farm, and the frontier west are images that have long formed the foundation of the rural American dream. Basic rural values that are ingrained in visions of open spaces, picturesque rolling hills, rich farmlands, patchwork waves of grain, and majestic mountains are alive and romanticized in our culture. Yet these popular images mask the reality that rural America is an extremely significant, diverse, and complex part of our society, with resources, problems, and needs that are extensive and largely misunderstood. This paper addresses several key issues and suggests an emerging new rural paradigm to address them

Wealth Building in Rural America: Potential in Human Diversity

Wealth Building in Rural America: Potential in Human Diversit

Age as Asset: The Contribution of Youth and Retirees to Rural Well-Being

The purpose of this paper is to consider the proposition that community wellbeing in rural America can be enhanced by regarding youth and retirees as assets. For both age groups, the literature and public attitudes tend to adopt a less than positive view, emphasizing the problems associated with the out-migration of young people on the one hand and the growing numbers of the elderly on the other. This paper points to trends and thinking which suggest that a different, asset-based lens may be helpful in developing community and policy responses. This paper is one of a series focusing on wealthbuilding in rural America

Supporting rural entrepreneurship

Rural areas ; Rural development