06/12/2026
As a rural development agency, I really enjoyed reading this report. It provides data for some things that we are seeing on the ground and hearing from counterparts throughout the state and nation. If you are interested in moving your rural area forward, I encourage you to read the report. Kansas Department of Commerce Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas Visit Emporia Kansas Main Street Lyon County, Kansas-Government Office of Rural Prosperity
Rural America has talent, ideas, and ambition. But too many rural communities are forced to build their futures on uneven ground.
Today, CORI is proud to release ππ£ππ«ππ£ ππ§π€πͺπ£π: ππ€πππ‘ ππͺππ‘ππ ππͺπ£πππ£π πππ₯π¨ π½ππ©π¬πππ£ ππͺπ§ππ‘ ππ£π ππ€π£π§πͺπ§ππ‘ πΌπ’ππ§πππ, a new research report examining how structural gaps in locally controlled public funding limit rural communitiesβ ability to invest in infrastructure, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and long-term resilience.
The report makes one thing clear: rural communities are not lacking vision. They lack the fiscal agency and flexible resources needed to turn that vision into lasting opportunity.
When rural communities have the power to invest locally, they can build stronger economies, support local entrepreneurs, prepare workers for the future, and create the conditions for innovation to thrive.
Download the full report to explore what it will take to close the rural public funding gap and build a more equitable, resilient, and innovative future. π https://ow.ly/SBHf50Zaf19
This report was made possible through funding from the RWJFoundation.
