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  • About Our Work

    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.

  • Rural COVID-19 Information and Resources
    Rural COVID-19 Information and Resources

    Many rural communities and regions are grappling with the immediate, near-term and long-term ramifications of COVID-19, and we know that your organizations and partners are working hard to respond. We've gathered a number of resources and website links that may be useful to you these challenging times. These resources include information on Federal and State response and resources, county-level COVID data, and sites that aggregate rural COVID news. We know that you are adjusting in small and large ways to the strange new world that the coronavirus has brought us – and managing much change in your own work, your family life and your community.

    Recent and Upcoming Program Events

    • Economic Development
      Still Open for Business: Working with Minority-Owned Rural Firms through the Pandemic
      JUL
      22
      Still Open for Business: Working with Minority-Owned Rural Firms through the Pandemic
      Wed Jul 22, 2020 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm EST

      In this first Rural Opportunity and Development (ROAD) Session, rural minority business owners will detail their recent experiences, in partnered conversation with the regional intermediaries who have been helping them with technical assistance, funding and advocacy.

    • Economic Development
      Ratcheting Up Rural Response, Recovery and Resilience
      JUN
      02
      Ratcheting Up Rural Response, Recovery and Resilience
      Tue Jun 2, 2020 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST
      Virtual

      On June 2, 2020 we hosted a virtual Action/Learning Exchange with rural practitioners. Rural practitioners and funders briefly detailed each of the Five Good Ideas and breakout rooms on each idea will allowed further discussion.

    • Colleges and Universities
      Gaining by Degrees - Rural Education
      MAR
      11
      Gaining by Degrees - Rural Education
      Wed Mar 11, 2020 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST
      2300 N Street, NW
      The Aspen Institute

      On Wednesday March 11th, 2020, we held our 12th America’s Rural Opportunity session. This event showcased inventive solutions for increasing rural postsecondary attainment, and how that can translate to wider career and community success for rural areas.

    • The Environment
      Toward Rural Resiliency
      NOV
      07
      Toward Rural Resiliency
      Thu Nov 7, 2019 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm EST
      177 Joe Routt Boulevard
      The Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center

      On November 7, 2019 we held our 11th America's Rural Opportunity event. As our changing climate increases risk, some rural communities are preparing for these challenges by growing new businesses, reducing carbon and protecting local populations. Strategies today are adapting to and mitigating tomorrow’s climate future.

    • Video: Rural Mythticism at the Ideas Fest
      Video: Rural Mythticism at the Ideas Fest

      Rural America has come to the nation’s attention. But much discussion in the media and coffee shops, at conferences and dinner tables, relies on incorrect or no data, largely idyllic or dystopic tropes and images, and opinion uninformed by rural experience. The full picture of rural America is quite different. Watch the video: At the 2019 Aspen Ideas Festival, rural experts from across the country showcase what is working for rural people and dispel pervasive myths about rural America.

    • US Economy
      Tension as Catalyst: Land Stewardship
      JUN
      10
      Tension as Catalyst: Land Stewardship
      Mon Jun 10, 2019 10:30 am - 12:00 pm PST
      1825 SW Broadway
      Portland State University

      Our America’s Rural Opportunity conversation on June 10, 2019 showcased five rural and tribal innovators who are leading this way forward. Learn about what they have done to forge new productive partnerships and about the difference it has made for the economy and environment, as well as rural communities and livelihoods.

    • US Economy
      Rural Development Hubs: Action Innovators
      MAY
      14
      Rural Development Hubs: Action Innovators
      Tue May 14, 2019 10:00 am - 11:30 am EST
      2300 N Street NW
      The Aspen Institute

      On May 14, 2019, Aspen Institute President Dan Porterfield moderated a discussion from four Hub leaders, all members of the Rural Development Innovation Group, as they shared what it takes to be a Hub – and why and how they do it. They also discussed policy levers to support Rural Development Hubs and showcased some of the topline findings from the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group’s interviews with more than 40 of these field-leading organizations building better rural outcomes across America.

    • Employment and Jobs
      Advancing 2Gen Strategies in Rural America
      FEB
      28
      Advancing 2Gen Strategies in Rural America
      Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST
      2300 N Street NW
      Aspen Institute Headquarters

      Our February 28 America’s Rural Opportunity session focused on the how-to’s of designing and supporting effective 2Gen efforts in rural places. We featured practitioner stories from two pathbreaking rural 2Gen efforts – one from Appalachian Western Maryland and another from Downeast Maine. We talked about how policy can advance (or hinder) 2Gen, shared relevant data on the situation of rural families, and detailed ideas for what philanthropy and business and economic development leaders can do to help advance 2Gen efforts.

    • US Economy
      Firmly Rooted: A Regional Food Economy
      SEP
      27
      Firmly Rooted: A Regional Food Economy
      Thu Sep 27, 2018 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST
      25 South Green Drive
      Walter Hall Rotunda at Ohio University

      For more than 30 years, the southeast region of Appalachian Ohio has been leading the way in leveraging rural assets and enterprise to build a regional food system that is core to its stronger local economy. Facing industry and employment shifts over recent decades, regional innovators looked within and found solid ground. They have creatively networked local producers, tested a wealth of ideas, and flexed every resource to build a food hub and a bounty of locally owned and growing businesses.

    • Employment and Jobs
      Game Changers: Rural Opportunity Youth
      MAR
      07
      Game Changers: Rural Opportunity Youth
      Wed Mar 7, 2018 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST
      2300 N Street NW
      Aspen Headquarters

      ARO’s March panel highlighted three programs – from Appalachia, the Mississippi Delta, and the Tribal West – that are successfully moving Rural Opportunity Youth into career training, higher education, and employment in multiple sectors. Watch the video to learn how rural communities are innovating to make these young people realize their potential, advance their livelihoods, and contribute to their communities and the nation’s future.

    • Immigration and Society
      Advancing Immigrant Families in Rural America
      OCT
      06
      Advancing Immigrant Families in Rural America
      Thu Oct 6, 2016 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm GMT+0000
      1 Dupont Circle
      The Aspen Institute

      A lunchtime panel for an engaging discussion about the growing numbers of immigrants in rural America and its implications for rural practice.

    • US Economy
      Getting Ahead in Rural Jobs
      OCT
      19
      Getting Ahead in Rural Jobs
      Thu Oct 19, 2017 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST
      1 Dupont Circle, Suite 700
      The Aspen Institute

      October's America's Rural Opportunity dialogue highlighted a range of rural-grown innovations to help families get into and get ahead in rural jobs.

    • US Economy
      Rural-Grown, Local-Owned Manufacturing
      SEP
      08
      Rural-Grown, Local-Owned Manufacturing
      Fri Sep 8, 2017 11:30 am - 1:30 pm GMT+0000
      1 Dupont Circle, Suite 700
      The Aspen Institute

      This panel highlighted how several rural-grown and local-owned businesses are making manufacturing work, a sector employing 3.5 million rural Americans.

    • US Economy
      Infrastructure Fueling Rural Development
      MAY
      22
      Infrastructure Fueling Rural Development
      Mon May 22, 2017 11:30 am - 1:30 pm GMT+0000
      1 Dupont Circle, Suite 700
      The Aspen Institute

      This panel will consider rural infrastructure and how well planned and coordinated infrastructure investments are advancing rural economic development.

    • US Economy
      Reframing Natural Resource Economies
      APR
      20
      Reframing Natural Resource Economies
      Thu Apr 20, 2017 11:30 am - 1:30 pm GMT+0000
      1 Dupont Circle, Suite 700
      The Aspen Institute

      This third America’s Rural Opportunity panel will focus on a group of innovators who steward the nations’ natural resources and use those resources to create jobs and businesses.

    • US Economy
      Rural Entrepreneurial Economies
      MAR
      17
      Rural Entrepreneurial Economies
      Fri Mar 17, 2017 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm GMT+0000
      1 Dupont Circle, Suite 700
      The Aspen Institute

      This second America’s Rural Opportunity panel will focus on a group of innovators that drive the American economy – entrepreneurs and the organizations that support them.

      Recent Posts

      • Statement on Structural Racism
        Statement on Structural Racism

        Over the past weeks, our nation has been galvanized by shock, grief and anger at the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and too many others. Civic action has brought people out of their homes to protest far beyond Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., New York and Los Angeles – bearing witness on the Main Streets and byways of rural America as well. Click here to read our statement.

      • Building Better Fundamentals for Rural Progress
        Community Development
        Building Better Fundamentals for Rural Progress
        Good data, fair media practices, and an understanding of organizational needs and assets are fundamental to progress.
        BY Clifford Devin Deaton & 3 more

        Blog Post

        06.11.2020

      • Redesign Required: Four Ideas for Reimagining Federal Rural Policy in the COVID-19 Era
        US Government
        Redesign Required: Four Ideas for Reimagining Federal Rural Policy in the COVID-19 Era
        For more towns and communities across America to share in the benefits of recovery and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the modern economy to thrive, we must revamp federal rural policy.
        BY Katharine Ferguson & 1 more

        Blog Post

        06.03.2020

      • Tweets by AspenCSG
      • Reimagining Rural Policy in the COVID-19 Era
        US Government
        Reimagining Rural Policy in the COVID-19 Era
        Modern policies require us to discard stereotypes and recognize the diversity of rural America.
        BY Katharine Ferguson & 2 more

        Blog Post

        04.14.2020

      • Student on laptop
        Community Development
        Helping Rural Students Head to College in Uncertain Times
        In early March, a group of experts and practitioners came together to discuss the challenges rural students face in pursuing education beyond high school. We checked in to see how their students are coping, how their teams are reacting, and what the novel coronavirus could mean for rural education.
        BY Noa Meyer

        Blog Post

        05.14.2020

      • Rural Frontlines and COVID-19
        Community Development
        Rural Frontlines and COVID-19
        Turn on the radio or TV. Open a newspaper or website. COVID-19 is front and center. What’s harder to grasp is the health and economic effects of our shared crisis on rural regions and tribal nations across the United States.
        BY Janet Topolsky

        Blog Post

        04.09.2020

      • Introducing Thrive Rural
        Economic Development
        Introducing Thrive Rural
        Thrive Rural will work closely with community and economic development, health and civic engagement experts across the nation to create a shared vision and understanding about what it will take to create dynamic, sustainable rural communities where all people can realize their full potential and live healthy lives.
        BY Katharine Ferguson

        Blog Post

        02.24.2020

      • Rural Health Equity and Development
        Rural Health Equity and Development

        It’s time to think differently about investing in rural America and the way we approach health and equity across its diverse communities. New research and resources show the critical connection between health, rural community and economic development.

      • Place-Based Shareholder Engagement
        US Economy
        Place-Based Shareholder Engagement
        Nearly 200 CEOs of world-leading corporations have now signed on to the notion that their reason for being includes not just shareholders, but how well their employees, host communities, the environment and supply chains benefit.
        BY Kelly Ryan

        Blog Post

        08.26.2019

      • Collaboration in the Rural West
        US Economy
        Collaboration in the Rural West
        A forest collaborative, tribal government, environmental group and stewardship organization in Idaho and Oregon together explore how tension brought about by changes in natural resource management and local economies has catalyzed new alliances among interests that have been polarized for decades.
        BY Doug Decker, Senior Fellow, Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University

        Blog Post

        07.22.2019

      • small town storefront
        US Government
        Want Big Changes in Rural Policy?
        Our current rural policy framework is out of step with modern realities.
        BY Katharine Ferguson

        Blog Post

        03.25.2019

      • Weathering a Financial Storm
        Finance and Assets
        Weathering a Financial Storm
        A blueprint for future community responses to government shutdowns and other crises. We constructed a way for an investor, a bank, and a philanthropy in our community to team up to make consumer loans to families in distress.
        BY Dennis West

        Blog Post

        01.28.2019

      • The Farm Bill Is About Far More than Farms
        US Government
        The Farm Bill Is About Far More than Farms
        Congress is debating the bill this week — here's what you need to know.
        BY Clifford Devin Deaton & 1 more

        Blog Post

        07.09.2018

      • Reflections on Rural in Nauvoo, Alabama
        Family Finances
        Reflections on Rural in Nauvoo, Alabama
        Scenes from an Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group workshop at Camp McDowell.
        BY Clifford Devin Deaton

        Blog Post

        06.21.2018

      • Opportunity Youth panel
        Employment and Jobs
        The Hidden Problem Plaguing American Youth
        In rural communities with stagnant economies, local organizations work to guide youth to financial security.
        BY Lalini Pedris

        Blog Post

        03.13.2018

      • Moving Rural Families Forward
        Family Finances
        Moving Rural Families Forward
        Leaders in rural communities are using a two-generation approach with rural families.

        Blog Post

        05.26.2016

      • Getting to Know the New “Us”
        Immigration and Society
        Getting to Know the New “Us”
        Growing numbers of immigrants and refugees are moving into rural U.S. communities.
        BY Elise Hernandez

        Blog Post

        07.14.2016

        CSG Impact and Publications

        • Economic Development
          Ground Truth from Rural Practitioners
          Small but mighty, rural-serving organizations work in concert with local people, firms and governments to fill gaps and adapt to do whatever it is communities need done.
          BY Community Strategies Group & 1 more

          Publication

          06.10.2020

        • Media
          Revealing Rural Realities
          This report underscores and articulates how ongoing changes in the structure and business of media and journalism contribute to the gap between rural realities and public perception of rural America.
          BY Community Strategies Group

          Publication

          05.01.2020

        • Economic Development
          In Search of "Good" Rural Data
          Data drives policy development. But many datasets fall short in representing rural realities. Given the increasing attention to rural areas in public policy and popular discourse, along with notable trends disadvantaging rural places—persistent poverty and global economic shifts—this search for “good” rural data is timely.
          BY Community Strategies Group

          Publication

          05.01.2020

        • US Economy
          A Few Things to Know About Rural America
          Knowing what is true about rural places and people is a challenge. Too often, people lump all of rural America into one “flyover-country” stereotype. But saying that all of rural America is the same is like saying Detroit and San Francisco are the same, or Birmingham and Boston. This brief shares a few truths worth knowing about rural America.
          BY Community Strategies Group

          Publication

          05.06.2020

        • Rural Development Hubs Report
          Economic Development
          Rural Development Hubs Report
          Strengthening America's Rural Innovation Infrastructure - Hubs focus on all the critical ingredients in a region’s system that either advance or impede prosperity — the integrated range of social, economic, health and environmental conditions needed for people and places to thrive.
          BY Community Strategies Group

          Blog Post

          11.12.2019

        • US Economy
          Rural Development Hubs Executive Summary
          This executive summary explains why Rural Development Hubs are important, how they work, and what it takes to do that work. It also discusses policy levers and enabling environments that can strengthen Rural Development Hubs, and that foster community and economic development that advances both equity and prosperity.
          BY Community Strategies Group

          Publication

          05.13.2019

        • Outstanding on Rural Ground
          Community Development
          Outstanding on Rural Ground
          The Institute’s Community Strategies Group inspires local leaders to make rural America healthy and prosperous.

          BY Janet Topolsky Katharine Ferguson Connie Stewart Dennis West Ines Polonius

          06.05.2019

        • Try the Beloved Country
          Try the Beloved Country

          This piece demonstrates the impact of CSG's almost 30 years of work with rural and urban economic and community development through stories and testimonials provided by the communities we have worked with.

          Program Areas

          • Regional Economic Success
            Regional Economic Success

            CSG champions the principles and practices of regional wealth-building as the means to better community and economic development policy and practice in the United States.

          • Family Economic Success
            Family Economic Success

            CSG builds the capacity to help families on the economic margins earn more, keep more of what they earn, and grow it into assets for themselves and their communities

          • Community Philanthropy
            Community Philanthropy

            CSG supports community and region-focused foundations that are taking on leadership and making a significant difference in improving the economy and family livelihoods

            Who We Are

              • Janet Topolsky
                Janet Topolsky
                Executive Director
                Community Strategies Group ...
                For 35 years, Janet has helped community leaders, organizations and policymakers across the country find, create and spread development strategies that work. At CSG since 1993, Topolsky has specialized in…
                View Profile
              • Katharine Ferguson
                Katharine Ferguson
                Associate Director
                Community Strategies Group ...
                Katharine Ferguson is Associate Director of the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group and Director of CSG’s Regional and Rural Development Initiatives.
                View Profile
              • Chitra Kumar
                Chitra Kumar
                Senior Fellow
                Chitra Kumar is a Senior Fellow with the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group.
                View Profile
              • Clifford Devin Deaton
                Clifford Devin Deaton
                Program Associate
                Community Strategies Group ...
                Clifford Deaton is a Program Associate with the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group and Co-Chair of the Aspen Institute Green Team.
                View Profile
              • Tyler Bowders
                Tyler Bowders
                Administrative and Logistics Coordinator
                Tyler Bowders is the Administrative and Logistics Coordinator for The Aspen Institute’s Community Strategies Group.
                View Profile

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