This report examines how improving existing infrastructure and capitalizing on historic cultural resources can revitalize a rural community’s economy. The report features Silver City, New Mexico as an example of a Main Street that became vibrant with activity and culture after being vacant and dilapidated after flooding. The report also highlights Lindsborg, Kansas, a small town that capitalized on its heritage rooted in Swedish culture to revitalize its economy.

This report defines asset-based economic development, and provides several case studies in which industry and industrial clusters, as well as human capital have benefited the economies of rural communities—retaining and creating jobs, and increasing income and the local tax base—while also enhancing the community’s quality  of life and sense of place. 

Implementing sustainability policies is often a challenge for many small or poor towns due to resource and expertise constraints. This briefing paper shows how some small towns have managed to overcome this barrier through local entrepreneurship, regulation and regional networks.

Some cities have begun developing ‘youth masterplans’, a citywide strategy for improving the quality of life for youth and their families through a participatory process. This webpage outlines the stages of this process, highlighting where youth organizations can be of the greatest help.