Speech

Moving the Needle in Rural Communities

Abstract: Demographic and geographic differences contribute to different labor market outcomes for urban areas and smaller towns. Across the United States, the employment/population ratio for people between 16 and 64 is about 10 percentage points higher in urban areas than in smaller towns. In the Fifth District, the gap is almost 11 percentage points. Although the solutions will vary from place to place, research suggests four core themes if policymakers want to move the needle in these communities: Education: Providing students with the information and preparation they need to choose, and succeed along, the postsecondary path that’s best for them. This preparation begins in early childhood. Connection to jobs: Facilitating workers’ access to good jobs. Community colleges can play a critical role in connecting students and employers. De-isolation: Addressing the informational and institutional gaps that arise from geographic remoteness and the loss of “anchor institutions,” such as rural hospitals. Participation: Helping people overcome obstacles to labor force participation such as disability and addiction.

Bibliographic Information

Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Part of Series: Speech

Publication Date: 2019-03-05