Rural Economic Development with a Purpose: 
Shifting Expectations and Opportunities 
Brian Dabson, Rural Policy Analyst & Researcher
This brief takes a fresh look at rural economic development using the lens of rural well-being to bring into focus the imperative of pursuing an integrated array of economic, social, and environmental goals across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The good news is that there are already shifts underway that place less emphasis on recruitment strategies, build on community and regional assets, integrate economic development into a broader strategies and systems, embrace regional collaboration, and pursue equitable development. 

​There is still much to be done, but there are clear opportunities in moving to a more comprehensive and integrated federal policy for rural America in attracting, retaining, and supporting new generations of talent, and in redefining what success looks like for rural development.