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

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Floor-to-ceiling rotating gates at Fairmount subway station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Crime Continues to Drop on Philly, San Francisco Transit Systems

SEPTA and BART both saw significant declines in violent crime in the first quarter of 2025.

April 28 - Mass Transit

South LA Wetlands Park in Los Angeles, California.

How South LA Green Spaces Power Community Health and Hope

Green spaces like South L.A. Wetlands Park are helping South Los Angeles residents promote healthy lifestyles, build community, and advocate for improvements that reflect local needs in historically underserved neighborhoods.

April 28 - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Intersection in downtown Sacramento, California with neoclassical building with columns on left.

Sacramento Plans ‘Quick-Build’ Road Safety Projects

The city wants to accelerate small-scale safety improvements that use low-cost equipment to make an impact at dangerous intersections.

April 28 - The Sacramento Bee