Report: Transportation and smart land use are key areas of focus for revitalization rural communities

Rural areas represent 97% of America’s landmass while producing only 10% of the nation’s gross domestic product. Given the large swaths of land they comprise, sparking economic growth in rural regions begins with a focus on transportation and “thoughtful land development policies,” according to a new report from the advocacy organization Smart Growth America.

The research analyzes “the presumption that living in a rural area inevitably means being dependent on a personal vehicle and driving long distances to access essential services negates the identities, experiences, and needs of the people in these complex and diverse communities,” reads an explainer about the report “An Active Roadmap: Best Practices in Rural Mobility,” which was published last month. “The more than 1 million rural American households without cars face unique barriers as alternate modes are not always accessible or affordable.”

Robust roadway and transit networks are vital for the social and physical health of rural regions. Compared to older adults who have motor vehicles, for example, those who don’t or can’t drive make 15% fewer trips to the doctors office, nearly 60% less trips to shop or go out to eat and 65% fewer trips to see family or friends, according to studies cited in the report. And while people walk in rural areas just as frequently as their urban or suburban counterparts, rural roadways are much more dangerous.

“It is necessary to re-evaluate outdated understandings of rural America to bridge these gaps, strengthen rural economies, and implement safer, sustainable, and equitable transportation networks and services for these communities,” the statement says.

Among challenges unique to rural America, many skew older, compounding existing transportation and housing needs. And in many areas, the economy and population is entirely dependent on the industry that’s there. Lower wages and driving distance is another major barrier, especially to public health. Obesity is about 6.2 times more prevelant in rural regions compared to urban areas, and recreational opportunities are harder to access.

“These communities are often characterized by a history of waning industry such as mining, logging, farming, nuclear, or other resource-based activities,” the report says. “When these industries decrease, the population and economy lost are difficult to recover.”

To overcome these hurdles, administrators must prioritize thoughtful planning to create liveable communities, using space as efficiently as possible, the report says. This might look like building a new post office near the local elementary school, or building affordable homes near job centers. 

“Many rural communites have found scucess by reinvesting in their downtowns and main streets and rediscovering their sense of place. Revitalizing these historic town centers can also create resilient economies and make it easier for people to live closer to work, groceries, health care, dining, and shopping, allowing them to walk or bike to these daily destinations,” the report says. “Rural cores should support walking and biking on main commercial corridors and main streets. As the street transitions out of the core area, the facility design that accommodates people walking and biking should change.”

Active transportation networks like shared-use bicycle and pedestrian paths, safe pathways, bus stops, walkable dining and shopping, are also highlighted as important areas for investment.

“Transit is essential for many rural residents, such as families without access to a vehicle, and older residents who are no longer able to drive to reach health care, groceries, and other crucial services,” the report says. “There is a demonstrated need to support and equip rural communities with tools to design transportation systems that meet the needs of their residents, as directly and cost-effectively as possible, now and in the future.”