Commentary: How Remote Work Supports Rural Communities

Allowing federal employees to work from home can deepen government agencies’ understanding of communities’ needs and create economic opportunities for local residents.

1 minute read

March 5, 2025, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Street with historic buildings and American flag hanging from lamppost in downtown Hinton, West Virginia.

jonbilous / Adobe Stock

In a commentary in the Daily Yonder, Christopher Chavis argues that remote work, contrary to the beliefs of some political leaders, makes for a stronger, more knowledgeable, and more skillful federal workforce and benefits rural communities.

In Chavis’ view, remote work decentralizes power and empowers rural communities by opening up federal roles to more people. “Remote work made it possible for individuals in rural areas to take on roles previously limited to urban centers, thus giving them greater influence within the federal bureaucracy.”

Remote work and technology have, says Chavis, also boosted collaboration. “A person in Claremont, New Hampshire, can work in real-time with someone in Claremont, California. This means that people from both urban and rural communities can collaborate seamlessly, bringing diverse perspectives to the table.”

These benefits come in addition to more tangible effects such as higher incomes and access to job opportunities for young people who want to stay in their rural communities.

Most importantly, Chavis writes that remote work allows federal workers to remain in touch with their communities and ensure fairness when it comes to grant reviews and other bureaucratic processes.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025 in The Daily Yonder

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Two people on bikes riding down paved Burke-Gilman bike trail in King County, Washington on a sunny day.

Washington State Plans Ambitious ‘Cycle Highway’ Network

The state is directing funding to close gaps in its existing bike network and make long-distance trips more accessible.

5 hours ago - Momentum Magazine

Small green ADU cottage in lush backyard in San Jose, California.

Homeowners Blame PG&E for Delays in ADU Permits

The utility says it has dramatically reduced its backlog, but applicants say they still face months-long delays for approvals for new electrical work.

6 hours ago - San Francisco Chronicle

Large oak tree in meadow with sun filtering from behind it in Angeles National Forest.

Rethinking Wildfire Defense: How a Landscape Approach Can Protect Neighborhoods

Post-fire analysis of the Eaton Fire reveals that a landscape approach — including fire-resistant vegetation, home hardening, and strategic planning — can help reduce wildfire risk, challenging assumptions that trees and plants are primary fire hazards.

7 hours ago - ASLA The Dirt