Rural areas have been attracting a lot attention for news sources traditionally devoted to urban news and information. A new report from the Brookings Institution is the latest example.
Hanna Love and Mike Powe write on the subject of building resilient rural places, sharing research that offers a prescription for the rural planning status quo, which relies on outdated, inaccurate stereotypes.
The research focuses on Main Streets as a key driver of equitable economic recovery; local solutions for rural small businesses; and a flexible, accessible, and healthy built environment. More details on those themes are included in the source article.
The research from the Brooking Institution is the latest in a stream of new research attempting to overturn stereotypes about rural areas (a trend which might have at least a little extra cultural relevance thanks to the intense debate over the film adaptation of Hillbilly Elegy, by J.D. Vance.)
Previous Planetizen coverage of recent rural research:
3 Myths About Rural America and How to Debunk Them
The effort to debunk common myths about rural America in academia and the news media continues.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Rural Areas
As the coronavirus outbreak surges across the country, many rural communities are now seeing an unprecedented spike in infections and hospitalizations.
The Importance of Rural Transit
On Transit Equity Day, reminding policymakers that rural communities need access to transit too.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association