According to the International Economic Development Council, “Economic development is programs, policies and activities that seek to improve the quality of life for a community by creating and retaining jobs and providing a stable tax base.”
How is that applicable to rural life? In addition to the creation and retention of jobs, rural frameworks may also take into account power, equity, and resources necessary for rural communities to thrive.
One great example is the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group’s Thrive Rural Framework. If you are looking to dive deeper into the regional economic development side of things, check out WealthWorks.
Additional Case Studies & Economic Development Models:
