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A report published in May by the Environmental Protection Agency detailed the key ways that small towns and cities can use their local assets to help rebuild economies. Here are some of their tips, with a little more information!
Identify and build on existing assets
There is no one-stop shop for fixing a dwindling small town. Many communities across the U.S. suffer through major economic shifts, such as changes in industry, and population decline. Identifying and building on existing assets should really start in the permanent features of your small town. So, tell us, what do you love about your home that you’d love to see rejuvenated, or share with the world? (TAKE A POLL: Are You Concerned About the National Debt and Its Implications For Future Generations?)
Engage all members of the community to plan for the future
Getting to know your neighbors is essential to community growth. Do you know who lives next door? How about down the road? The EPA seems to suggest that by working together, you and your town can help shape the future you want for yourselves.
Since the pandemic, people are still going out less. This has led to inner-city decline. So, perhaps it’s time we start trying to find our third places again and rebuild to accommodate ourselves, not just tourists. (TAKE A POLL: Do You Support the Idea of a Four-Day Workweek to Enhance Work-Life Balance?)
Support a clean and healthy environment
America is the most beautiful country in the world. Why not use that to our advantage? “Invest in natural assets by protecting natural resources and cleaning up and redeveloping polluted properties, which makes productive use of existing transportation, water, and utility infrastructure; increases the tax base and employment opportunities; removes environmental contamination; and helps spur investment in surrounding properties,” says the EPA!
The EPA report was compiled from data taken in Bend, Oregon; Douglas, Georgia; Dubuque, Iowa; Emporia, Kansas; Mount Morris, New York; Paducah, Kentucky; and Roanoke, Virginia.
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