Since 1985, the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group has helped convene, equip and inspire local leaders as they build more prosperous regions and advance those living on the economic margins – with more than 75% of that work in rural America.
Committed to equity, economic opportunity and improving economic, social and health outcomes, CSG advances an asset-based and systems-building approach to community and economic development. We do so by designing and facilitating action-inducing peer learning among organizations, leaders and policymakers and by providing strategic guidance to sharpen their focus and strategy. Our action frameworks are increasingly being adopted to help rural and regional economies grow and striving rural families get ahead.
Through our years of work across America, we have learned from the people doing the best work of building and rebuilding strong, inclusive rural communities and economies. CSG has cultivated a deep and broad network of the nation’s most creative and dedicated practitioners of rural community and economic development, including a respected Rural Development Innovation Group of key leaders, all eager to forge a better rural future.