This website is being reviewed for updates. Some information is offline. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Community and economic development

Success Story: Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative
Discusses the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative's (RWHC) approach to supporting community health and economic vitality in rural Wisconsin. Highlights successful partnerships between hospitals, community groups, philanthropies, and commercial organizations.
Date: 05/2023
Sponsoring organization: Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity
view details
Maximizing New Federal Investments in Broadband for Rural America
Policy brief covering the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program with recommendations for stakeholders on how to close the digital divide for rural America. Discusses transparency and accountability, capacity building and community engagement, and implementation.
Author(s): Anthony F. Pipa, Laura Landes, Zoe Swarzenski
Date: 05/2023
Sponsoring organization: The Brookings Institution
view details
Community Impact and Benefit Activities of Critical Access, Other Rural, and Urban Hospitals, 2021
Examines the economic and healthcare benefit of Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) on rural communities. Looks at the services provided, the economic health of CAHs, and the effect this has on their communities broadly. Includes comparisons of community benefit and patient care services indicators provided by CAHs and other rural and urban hospitals.
Date: 05/2023
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
view details
Elevating Equity in Economic Development: Inclusive Recovery Toolkit and Inclusive Recovery Guide
Presents a framework for communities to elevate equity and inclusivity in economic development and recovery projects. Explores post-COVID-19 economic recovery strategies that support inclusive growth and equitable outcomes. Highlights example projects throughout the country. Features considerations for rural communities, including rural transportation and childcare projects.
Additional links: Interactive Toolkit
Date: 05/2023
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Development Organizations
view details
How Regional Partnerships Bolster Rural Hospitals
Explores how Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and other rural providers partner to overcome challenges. Profiles six regional partnerships that address staffing, quality improvement, contracts with payers, value-based payment, and community development. Offers lessons learned that could inform policy changes to strengthen rural providers.
Author(s): Martha Hostetter, Sarah Klein
Date: 05/2023
Sponsoring organization: Commonwealth Fund
view details
Mapping a New Terrain: 5 Principles for Equitable Rural Outdoor Recreational Economies
Offers suggestions for rural communities and Native nations looking at ways to improve economic prosperity, and population health and well-being through the development of natural assets and rural outdoor recreation. Topics cover ownership and control of recreation assets, building a resilient infrastructure, coordinating assets and stakeholder engagement, respect for the landscape, people and culture during the development process, and designing for equitable access and participation for all residents. Includes recommendations for community organizations, local government, and philanthropic organizations.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Date: 04/2023
Sponsoring organizations: Aspen Institute, Community Strategies Group
view details
Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) in Review: 2022-2023
Provides information about the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) activities in 2022-2023 as well as the 44 member hospitals. Includes information about hospital locations, service highlights, leadership and education programs, chronic disease initiatives, and more.
Date: 04/2023
Sponsoring organization: Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative
view details
Rural Definitions Used for Eligibility Requirements in USDA Rural Development Programs
Provides an overview of the definitions of rural that are used to determine eligibility for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) programs. Identifies issues that Congress may want to consider related to these definitions and community eligibility.
Date: 04/2023
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
view details
The Rural Food-Away-from-Home Landscape, 1990–2019
Examines the food-away-from-home (FAFH) landscape in nonmetropolitan counties between 1990 and 2019. Explores trends and differentiating features of FAFH access across the metropolitan divide and across the rural-urban continuum. Describes local economic conditions that are associated with more FAFH options.
Additional links: Report Summary
Author(s): Keenan Marchesi, Anne T. Byrne, Trey Malone
Date: 03/2023
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
view details
2023 County Health Rankings National Findings Report
Analyzes county-level health and wellness data, focusing on issues such as civic infrastructure and socioeconomic opportunity. Includes information on access to broadband, libraries, parks and recreation, schools, and social organizations. Provides U.S. map of county-level life expectancy (LE) and discusses the relationship of LE to civic participation.
Date: 03/2023
Sponsoring organization: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps
view details