Focus Areas Rural smart growth Smart growth isn’t just for cities—it’s an excellent strategy for rural communities. Small towns and rural regions face unique challenges, from aging infrastructure to limited transportation options and underinvested main streets. We help communities set a vision for their place and make decisions that strengthen local economies, support vibrant downtowns, improve access to essential services, and build more fiscally sustainable futures. Why smart growth is the right strategy to support rural communities How we lead Smart Growth America has partnered with hundreds of rural communities to support economic development, improve quality of life, and craft solutions that fit their size, context, and goals. Our support includes:
Technical assistance and training on the fiscal impact of growth
Supporting local elected officials to advance Complete Streets and other pressing issues
Innovative research and advocacy to ensure rural priorities are reflected in state and federal decisions
Guidance on securing funding for infrastructure, transportation, housing, and resilience Our work Report highlight: Rural mobility roadmap A common misconception about active and multi-modal transportation investments to support walking, biking, rolling, and using public transit is that the demand for these initiatives is limited to urban communities, but recent studies have shown that people in rural areas are just as likely to walk to places as in urban areas if the options are safe and accessible. Our report, An Active Roadmap: Best Practices in Rural Mobility breaks down this myth and others as we dive into the diversity of American rural communities and small towns to discuss rural transportation needs and challenges along with success stories from rural and small town communities across the country. Resources