Rural America

Rural communities face a broad range of challenges in the 21st century, from demographic change to access to essential services to economic hardship. The Center for American Progress’ growing research on rural America aims to build inclusive rural narratives and develop equitable, progressive solutions.

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Guide to Rural and Tribal Capacity-Building Programs Report
Joe Biden in front of clouds in sky

Guide to Rural and Tribal Capacity-Building Programs

These 10 federal programs are designed to expand capacity and bridge the gap between federal resources and the rural and Tribal communities that need them most.

Mark Haggerty, Chéri Smith

The CHIPS and Science Act Will Bring Technology and Manufacturing Investment to Rural Areas and Communities of Color Report
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks with students during a during a visit to Hampton University.

The CHIPS and Science Act Will Bring Technology and Manufacturing Investment to Rural Areas and Communities of Color

The Tech Hubs program within the CHIPS and Science Act is a major opportunity to provide equitable access to industry for underserved communities and economic growth for the country at large.

Ashleigh Maciolek, Justine Gluck, Sara Partridge, 1 More Sydney Bryant

Why the Farm Bill May Be the Highest-Stakes Climate Fight Flying Below the Radar Report
A farmer harvests soybeans in a field along the Mississippi River.

Why the Farm Bill May Be the Highest-Stakes Climate Fight Flying Below the Radar

Major climate and conservation gains hang in the balance as Congress reauthorizes the expiring farm bill; passing strong legislation that builds on historic investments from the Inflation Reduction Act is critical for the United States to lead the world on climate-smart agriculture and meet national land conservation goals.

Gun Violence in Rural America Fact Sheet
A man peers through the scope on his rifle in rural Texas.

Gun Violence in Rural America

While politicians and the media have largely focused their attention on gun violence in large cities, rural communities continue to see a rise in gun-related deaths.

David Correa, Nick Wilson

Rural Broadband Investments Promote an Inclusive Economy Article
Wheat grows in a field next to utility poles along a road in Maxatawny Township, Pennsylvania, June 2021. (Getty/Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle)

Rural Broadband Investments Promote an Inclusive Economy

For those in rural communities, especially low-income people and people of color, access to necessary high-quality internet will remain out of reach without government investment.

Caius Z. Willingham, Areeba Haider

The Role of Rural Communities of Color in the 2020 Election Report
 (Voters arrive at polling location in Arizona to cast their votes on November 3, 2020.)

The Role of Rural Communities of Color in the 2020 Election

The diversity and complexity of rural voters were on display in the 2020 election, particularly in states such as Georgia and Arizona.

Olugbenga Ajilore

With a Focus on Equity, Geography No Longer Has To Be Destiny Article
A father and son pick raspberries at an orchard in Michigan, July 2008. (Getty/Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group)

With a Focus on Equity, Geography No Longer Has To Be Destiny

With the rural-urban divide in the headlines, it is time to address long-standing inequities by building a more comprehensive equity analysis.

Olugbenga Ajilore, Katrina Badger

The Path to Rural Resilience in America Report
Elementary school students walk to class in Weaverville, California, August 2020. (Getty/Los Angeles Times/Kent Nishimura)

The Path to Rural Resilience in America

The United States must rethink how it invests in rural communities.

Olugbenga Ajilore, Caius Z. Willingham

Congress Must Help Rural America Respond to the Coronavirus Report

Congress Must Help Rural America Respond to the Coronavirus

Without clear, consistent action from policymakers, people and businesses will not have enough confidence to return to their jobs and daily activities in the wake of COVID-19.

Olugbenga Ajilore

Among Forests and Bayous, a Fledgling College and Fragile Dreams Report

Among Forests and Bayous, a Fledgling College and Fragile Dreams

The story of central Louisiana’s new community college holds lessons on improving opportunity in rural America—lessons that should help guide leaders responding to the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic.

Marcella Bombardieri

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