Rural communities are often thought of as opposites to urban areas when it comes to economies, demographics, culture, and other factors. While there cultural differences across US communities do exist, dividing our nation into such a binary has immediate, lived consequences for people in all corners of America. It is necessary to re-evaluate outdated understandings of rural America to bridge the gaps, strengthen rural economies, and implement safer, sustainable, and equitable transportation networks, and services for these communities.
Read more below about the unique needs and challenges of rural communities, addressing misconceptions, and setting the stage for the strategies that can strengthen them.
Population characteristics
Population change
Community health outcomes
Trip distance and access to services
Transit availability
Access to recreation and parks
Land use challenges, funding, and investment
Livable places. Healthy people. Shared prosperity.
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