The Rural Lab

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City leaders, focus your efforts on the people that already call your community home. Win them over and you never need to worry about tourism.

The power of roots. I too chose roots over a city paycheck, and many others have, too. Now we're building pathways for economic prosperity right here, investing and building businesses in rural communities. -- "Their vision of success has less to do with financial prosperity or personal comfort than with the more demanding values of stewardship, investment and care." 🏡

Small-Town Natives Are Moving Back Home For many young people, returning to struggling communities means exchanging prosperity for a more rooted life.

A cautionary tale from Montana on rural growth, community culture & unintended consequences. 🤨 Rural leaders must take a "locals first" long-term planning approach to economic growth, and affordable housing must be on the radar! 🏡 Rural can capitalize on attracting new residents and investments in a post-covid economy, while actively planning for growth opportunities for local, long-term residents.

“Money speaks, and it’s not necessarily taking into account the values of living in a state like Montana,” said Amanda Diehl.

Remote Workers Spur an Affordable Housing Crunch in Montana Bozeman has become a haven for coastal refugees as the pandemic drags on, intensifying a housing crisis for existing residents of the town.