Policy & Data

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US state poverty rate map
The Rural Data Portal

The Rural Data Portal is a simple, easy-to-use online resource that provides essential information on the social, economic, and housing characteristics of communities in the United States.

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US Capitol building with money image in background
Rural Development Hubs and Federal Resource Opportunities

Apr. 12th, 2023, 1PM

Learn how to use federal funding opportunities to build bridges and develop new capacities and the importance of working regionally to maximize community assets.

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Identifying Policies That Advance Racial & Economic Justice in Rural Places

ChangeLab Solutions

Tailoring policies to rural BIPOC communities’ unique conditions is crucial for advancing racial and economic justice. Inclusive decision making that considers local assets, priorities, and challenges can drive impactful change.

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A Recipe for a Rural Policy Renaissance

Brookings Institution

In a podcast episode, Brookings Senior Fellow Tony Pipa shares lessons from rural residents about how to effectively support rural communities across America.

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Honing in On Home: Breaking Barriers in BIPOC Homeownership

Partners for Rural Transformation (PRT)

A cornerstone of the “American Dream” is owning a home. For many in rural America, this vision seems nearly impossible, especially for people of color. PRT and HOPE examine policies and lending practices to help address the challenges they face and close homeownership gaps.

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Toward Racial Equity & Rural Prosperity

ChangeLab Solutions

Explore a suite of resources created by ChangeLab Solutions designed to help community organizations, policymakers, and other changemakers advance racial equity and rural prosperity.

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A summer street festival, with vendors under canopies on a hot day.
Recent Learnings from (and for) the Rural Field

New opportunities with value to rural and Native nation communities are being generated across fields, from public health to environmental justice and beyond. Check out a few ideas and opportunities to help spur equitable rural prosperity in your community.

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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.

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Who Lives in Rural America? The Geography of Rural Race and Ethnicity

Center on Rural Innovation (CORI)

How are racial and ethnic groups distributed across rural America? What are the historical factors that have influenced the current geography? Learn more about who lives in rural America from CORI’s Rural Aperture Project.

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A Conversation with NEF about Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Preservation, and Workforce Housing

Rural LISC

In a webinar organized by Rural LISC, experts from the National Equity Fund provide an update on tax credit pricing and what makes a rural tax credit project attractive to investors.

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Three women talk during a conference
Learning Through Convening: Top Conferences for Rural Prosperity

Check out some top conferences focused on advancing equitable rural prosperity.

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Map of capacity in rural America
Rural Capacity Map

To help identify communities with limited capacity, Headwaters Economics created a new Rural Capacity Index.