The effort to debunk common myths about rural America in academia and the news media continues.

An article by Anne Junod, Clare Salerno, and Corianne Payton Scally notes that the "drive-by" journalism of recent years—reporters from major national or urban publications "flocking" to rural areas to find out what happened in the 2016 election—is creating persistent but false depictions of life in rural America.
The problem of drive-by journalism is exacerbated by the closing of newsroom in many small metropolitan areas and rural areas, meaning that local perspectives are suddenly less available.
Junod, Salerno, and Payton Scally focus on three myths in particular in an effort to debunk some of these harmful mischaraterizations:
- Rural America is the white, agricultural "heartland."
- Poor, rural people live in "cultures of poverty."
- "Rural" is a singular voting bloc.
After providing evidence to counter each of those claims, the article also provides recommendations for strengthening research and reporting in rural settings.
- Understand that rural issues are urban issues are suburban issues.
- Develop and invest in rural cultural competencies.
- Report on rural opportunities and assets in addition to challenges.
FULL STORY: Debunking Three Myths about Rural America

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie