Journal Article
President's Message: Bringing Talent to Small Towns
Barkin, Tom (2023-07)
Over the last few decades, we've seen small towns struggle, particularly those that lost manufacturers, which had historically helped build communities, employ residents, and forge local identities. As a natural reaction, economic development in small-town America has often focused on replacing those big employers. These efforts attracted investment, but success wasn't easy.
Econ Focus , Volume 23 , Issue 3Q , Pages 1-2

Briefing
President's Message: A Unique Moment for Small Towns
Barkin, Tom (2022-04)
Every month, I visit small towns and hear from business and community leaders about what's working, what's not working, and what they need. In my previous column, I looked at the key elements I've seen in every small town that has made major progress toward revitalization: a story, regional cooperation, and dedicated funding, all tied together by "scrappiness." (See "Making It Work," Econ Focus, First Quarter 2022.) Now, I'd like to take a deeper dive into the issue of funding, because money is the one critical constraint every community faces, across every issue.
Richmond Fed Economic Brief , Issue 2Q , Pages 1-2