Policy & Data

Report
Health, Work, and Care in Rural America

New America

Drawing on original research, this report offers a clear case for why guaranteed public paid leave policies should be considered a social determinant of health for rural people just as access to health care facilities and other economic stability indicators are. Paid leave could improve the health, wellbeing, and economic security of rural workers and families, and increase the economic competitiveness of America’s rural communities.

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2023 COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS

The University Of Wisconsin Population Health Institute

County Health Rankings & Roadmaps (CHR&R) brings actionable data, evidence, guidance and stories to support community-led efforts to grow community power and improve health equity. The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI) created CHR&R for communities across the nation, with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Report
RURAL WELL-BEING: GEOGRAPHIES OF OPPORTUNITY

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

Rural Well-being: Geography of Opportunities presents the latest iteration of the OECD’s policy framework on rural development. This newly updated framework reflects several important changes in rural development in recent years and takes advantage of the organisation’s latest evidence-based analysis to improve understanding of the diverse and complex socio-economic systems that exist in rural places along with their connection to cities.

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Blue Ribbon Commission Report

Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity

The Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity taps local perspectives on long-term, recent and future economic challenges facing the people, communities and businesses that make rural Wisconsin shine—and to turn ideas into action that increases economic activity and improves the quality of life for future generations.

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REGIONAL FOOD HUB RESOURCE GUIDE

United States Department of Agriculture

This USDA resource guide is designed to give readers a greater understanding of what regional food hubs are, their impacts, strategies to assist their success and growth, and direction on where to find financial resources to support them.

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ONE APPALACHIA: CONNECTION AND COLLABORATION

Appalachian Regional Commission

YouTube recording of the The Appalachian Regional Commission event One Appalachia: Connection and Collaboration.

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RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

One-pager highlighting general policy approach of economic development and recent policy changes.

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REGIONAL MULTISTATE COLLABORATION TOOLKIT

Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economics (ARISE)

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and American Institutes for Research (AIR) share case studies, insights and takeaways from practitioners and resources.

Report
DECREASING FLOOD RISK IN THE MIDWEST WITH REGIONAL COLLABORATIONS

Headwaters Economics

A regional approach to flood risk can help communities pool resources and implement effective solutions. Five case studies offer lessons.

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ASPEN INSTITUTE FOOD & SOCIETY PROGRAM

Aspen Institute Food & Society

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REGIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

The NIFA Regional Rural Development Centers link the research and educational outreach capacity of the nation’s public universities with communities, local decision-makers, entrepreneurs, families, and farmers and ranchers to help address a wide range of development issues.

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ACCELERATING RURAL PROSPERITY THROUGH REGIONAL COLLABORATION

National League of Cities

Findings from the chapter on collaborative development, authored by Brian Dabson and Christiana K. McFarland, in the book “Investing in Rural Prosperity”.