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resilient rural places, sharing research that offers a prescription for the rural planning status quo, which relies on outdated, inaccurate stereotypes.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.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
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City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research