Rural Prosperity Strategies to Be Discussed Amid Population Shifts in Rural Areas

Strategies for strengthening rural communities amid demographic shifts is the topic of an economic development conference, "Investing in Rural Prosperity: Successful Approaches to Demographic Shifts," set for Nov. 14-15 in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

“While subject to significant regional variation, Federal Reserve research highlights the population in many rural communities is getting smaller, older, and more diverse. Yet during the first year of the pandemic, a surprising number of Americans moved from cities to rural areas. Employees who were able to work from home opted to relocate to save money and, in some cases, be closer to family. Those demographic shifts have created an opportunity to boost much-needed rural prosperity, which is the focus of this conference,” Samantha Evans, community development advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, said.

The Investing in Rural Prosperity conference is sponsored by the St. Louis Fed, Delta Regional Authority, and Southeast Missouri State University’s Division of Economic and Workforce Development. The conference will address the population trends impacting rural America and explore how communities are adapting to ensure inclusive and welcoming environments.

“With the increasing racial and ethnic diversity in many rural and small towns across the United States, it is crucial to examine the strategies being implemented to embrace these demographic shifts to boost lasting economic prosperity,” Evans said.

The conference will feature 15 speakers who will share their insights and success stories on how rural communities are effectively anticipating and embracing these demographic shifts. Attendees can engage in peer-to-peer discussions, explore strategies to leverage local resources, and learn about ongoing cross-sector efforts to foster welcoming communities.

"We believe that by connecting rural practitioners to national networks, we can strengthen their capacity and challenge the prevailing narratives about what is possible in rural areas," Evans said.

The event, planned for the Drury Plaza Hotel Conference Center Cape Girardeau (3351 Percy Dr.), is expected to attract about 100 leaders from the St. Louis Fed’s district, which includes Arkansas, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, western Kentucky, northern Mississippi, eastern Missouri, and western Tennessee.

For more information and to register for the conference, please visit the St. Louis Fed’s website.