While (well-meaning) adults may say, “Oh, we have a youth member on our board,” or “Let’s ask the kids in the Honor Society to do that,” the young people hear those intentions differently. Check out Fountains of Youth for Towns article by Deb Fallows ourtownsfoundation.org/fountains-of-y…

Strong Towns has written about how homeowners used to operate commercial businesses on their property. By and large, it worked. Why not do it again with a modern take on the name: Call them accessory commercial units. bit.ly/3i4FGvG

What's your dream for your Rural community? Rural Development and University of Kentucky are teaming up to offer technical assistance for 1000s of #Rural #Placemaking leaders and orgs. Join the virtual workshop on May 23+24 to learn more. #PillarsWednesday rd.usda.gov/sites/default/…

“People own what they help create” is a fundamental reason to support “community engagement.” “Youth engagement” help form the connections that last a lifetime.

States with the strongest personal income gains since the pandemic began: 1) South Dakota 2) Idaho 3) California 4) Arizona … and the weakest gains 47) Connecticut 48) Oklahoma 49) Alaska 50) Wyoming pew.org/3CE5sRb

What do business prospects ask about communities? Darrell Downs in Marcus, IA says “Now, when people come to the community, they ask, number one, what do you have for daycare?” #rural #econdev

We're excited to see YOU at RuralX this year! Tickets officially go on sale on Monday, March 28.

I love it. What’s the "Opportunity Narrative” that guides your ecosystem building efforts?

Yes, the data is mixed regarding the Zoom-era rural migration - but the “opportunity” persists. How might we develop an “opportunity narrative” that inspire people and shape their action? #ReimagineRural

Even when people are mad at each other, “listening” becomes a lot easier when people agree to “listen with curiosity.”

Not surprised by strong in-migration to South Dakota. We sensed that it started before the pandemic. I wonder what is the source data for this map?

I love the “regional solutions” approach described here. Trust is so important. Made me wonder how Strategic Doing might be infused in this work. Keep up the good work Northern California. @AnnKSchulte1

I’m with John C Shepard, AICP in questioning this statement. It sparks my curiosity, but I’d need to know more before I could embrace.

Curious about policies focused on creating more inclusive economies? Take a look at America's New Business Plan for 2022 from Kauffman Foundation. startusupnow.org/anbp?mc_cid=eb… #genpolicy

"Peoples’ desire to find the right community where they want to live, work, play and connect" ... Sharon Hillstrom on my recent visit with Bradenton Area EDC, Sarasota Herald-Tribune eu.heraldtribune.com/story/business…

I wonder what leaders from communities that don't "tick" all the boxes for what this article says baby boomers are looking for in their retirement can learn? wsj.com/story/adventur…

Really good work happening in ND thanks to Lori Capouch and NDAREC to rethink the food distribution system so that #smalltown grocery stores can thrive. #buylocal bit.ly/3OhcfFr