Revitalize Rural America

A nation is only as strong as the communities within it. Yet for too long, rural America has been abandoned—factories shuttered, hospitals closed, and young people forced to leave in search of opportunity. Prosperity should not be confined to cities.

The solution is clear: Invest in rural opportunity. Expand broadband, rebuild infrastructure, and support local businesses. Fund healthcare, education, and sustainable agriculture. No town should be left behind in a country of abundance.

This is not charity—it is renewal. Rural America feeds, powers, and sustains the nation. Investing in these communities strengthens the economy, creates jobs, and restores pride in places too often forgotten.

Action must follow principle. Demand investment in rural schools and healthcare. Support policies that empower small farms and businesses. Elect leaders who serve all Americans—not just those in urban centers.

A thriving nation needs thriving rural communities. Revitalize rural America—because opportunity should reach every corner of the land.

Key Stats

1. Rural Hospital Closures: Over the past decade, more than 130 rural hospitals have shut down, leaving over 19 million Americans without nearby access to essential healthcare, a crisis that dramatically affects community well-being and emergency response.

2. Broadband Access Disparity: Data from the FCC reveals that nearly 30% of rural households lack high-speed internet, compared to less than 5% in urban areas—a gap that stifles economic growth, education, and connectivity in rural communities.

3. Population Decline: Many rural counties have experienced population declines of up to 20% over the last two decades, as young people leave in search of better opportunities, leading to demographic imbalances and the erosion of community vitality.

4. Economic Wage Gap: Research shows that rural workers earn on average 20–30% less than their urban counterparts, a disparity that not only limits economic mobility but also undermines local businesses and consumer spending.

5. Infrastructure Investment Deficit: Studies indicate that rural infrastructure investments are often only about 50% of what is needed for safe and efficient roads, bridges, and public utilities, costing local economies billions in lost productivity and hindering long-term regional development.

Our Allies

1. Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC)
   RCAC provides technical assistance, community development financing, and capacity-building services to rural communities. Their work helps communities design and implement projects that improve infrastructure, housing, and local economies.

2. American Farmland Trust (AFT)
   AFT is dedicated to protecting farmland and promoting sustainable agriculture. By supporting policies and programs that preserve rural landscapes and enhance local food systems, AFT contributes to broader rural revitalization efforts.

3. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)
   NRECA represents the cooperative utilities that serve rural communities. Beyond ensuring reliable and affordable power, they advocate for infrastructure investments and economic policies that benefit rural residents.

4. National Association of Development Organizations (NADO)
   NADO works with local development organizations to drive economic growth in underserved areas, including rural regions. Their support for planning, financing, and capacity building helps communities create jobs and retain residents.

5. Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
   While LISC operates nationally, a significant part of its work targets rural community revitalization. They offer grants, loans, and technical assistance for projects ranging from affordable housing to small business support, helping to stimulate local economies and improve quality of life.

10 Steps

1. Conduct a Granular Rural Audit
   Using data from the USDA, Census Bureau, and FCC, map every aspect of rural infrastructure and services. For instance, FCC reports show that only about 64% of rural residents currently have access to high-speed internet, and USDA data indicate rural poverty rates hovering around 14.7%. This audit will pinpoint deficiencies in healthcare, education, broadband, and transportation, creating a robust, evidence-driven baseline for targeted interventions.

2. Form a Multi-Sector Rural Revival Coalition
   Assemble leaders from local governments, community organizations, academic institutions, and private industry. Drawing on insights from the Brookings Institution, which emphasizes multi-sector partnerships for rural development, organize a summit that includes representatives from the National Rural Health Association, the Rural Development Council, and local economic agencies. This coalition will unify resources, expertise, and voices to champion comprehensive rural renewal.

3. Craft a Data-Driven Investment Blueprint
   Develop a detailed policy agenda grounded in empirical evidence. Proposals should include expanding broadband to 95% coverage within three years, rebuilding roads and bridges identified as high-risk by the American Society of Civil Engineers (which estimates rural infrastructure needs at over $1 trillion in upgrades), and increasing healthcare access by boosting the rural doctor-to-patient ratio from 39 to at least 60 per 100,000 residents. This blueprint will outline measurable goals and milestones for legislative and financial action.

4. Accelerate Broadband Expansion with Clear Targets
   Currently, nearly 36% of rural households lack high-speed internet. Secure federal and state investments—modeled after successful programs in Kansas and Iowa—to upgrade digital infrastructure. Aim to increase rural broadband penetration from 64% to 95% within the next three years, thereby connecting communities to educational, economic, and healthcare opportunities.

5. Modernize Rural Infrastructure
   Prioritize the repair and upgrade of rural roads, bridges, and utilities using funds from the recent federal infrastructure package. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, rural areas require an estimated $1.1 trillion in upgrades over the next decade. Focus on regions where decaying infrastructure is hindering economic growth and community safety, thus boosting local economies and reducing long-term maintenance costs.

6. Enhance Rural Healthcare Access
   With nearly 133 rural hospitals closing over the past decade, invest in upgrading existing facilities and establishing new clinics. Use incentive programs to attract healthcare professionals to rural areas, aiming to increase the current provider ratio significantly. Evidence from the Commonwealth Fund suggests that improved rural healthcare access correlates with better community outcomes and longer life expectancies, making this investment both humane and economically sound.

7. Strengthen Rural Education and Workforce Training
   Address educational disparities by reallocating federal education funds to modernize rural schools and integrate technology. Partner with community colleges to establish vocational training and retraining programs aligned with local industries—especially critical in regions where youth outmigration is high. Research from the Rural School and Community Trust shows that improved educational outcomes are a key driver of long-term community stability.

8. Support Local Business and Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives
   Launch targeted grant programs and low-interest loan schemes for small businesses and sustainable farms. USDA research indicates that regenerative agriculture can boost yields by up to 20% and reduce input costs by 15%. By fostering local food networks and cooperatives, this step will drive job creation and stabilize rural economies, with an aim to achieve a minimum 10% annual revenue growth for participating businesses.

9. Implement Rigorous Monitoring and Accountability Systems
   Establish independent oversight committees to track progress using key performance indicators such as broadband access rates, infrastructure quality, healthcare accessibility, and economic growth. Publish bi-annual reports leveraging data from the Census Bureau, FCC, and USDA to ensure transparency. These measures will allow for timely adjustments and ensure that investments yield the desired outcomes.

10. Institutionalize Rural Renewal through Political Engagement
    Foster active civic participation by partnering with organizations like the National Rural League to mobilize rural voters. Develop advocacy and training programs to ensure that rural voices influence policy at all levels. Embed rural revitalization strategies into long-term federal planning documents, ensuring that these reforms become a permanent pillar of national policy rather than a temporary fix.