Population loss doesn’t have to be a harbinger of doom. Some rural communities are taking small but impactful steps to improve quality of life for their remaining residents.

An article by Tom Barton in The Gazette highlights the efforts rural Iowa communities are making to improve life for residents and businesses despite a shrinking population and economy.
Renovating old buildings like restaurants can be expensive, but can also serve as a catalyst for revitalizing a neighborhood. “State and regional experts say it’s a prime example of how shrinking small towns can manage and stabilize population loss, by focusing on growing community pride and identifying projects that add to residents’ quality of life.” While rural towns may continue to shrink, local leaders can plan for reduced populations while maintaining local services.
This is the aim of the ‘smart shrinkage project’ started at Iowa State University, which “received a three-year, $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to build upon a 2017 pilot study examining whether there were towns in Iowa that have lost population but perception of quality of life has remained stable or improved.” The research team found that social infrastructure was a key factor in how well communities fared.
“Economic development projects often require significant financial investment and may or may not pan out long-term, whereas quality-of-life initiatives — such as trails, community events, fitness options and child care — are typically low-cost and in local control,” according to Kimberly Zarecor, leader of the research project.
The communities studied all embrace a “shrink small” approach, which moves away from stigmatizing population loss and toward strengthening community infrastructure through a focus on philanthropy, community-led projects, and small but impactful projects.
FULL STORY: Rural Iowa continues to lose population. How some small towns are working to ‘shrink smart’

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service