New Podcast Highlights Transformations Taking Place In Rural America
“Reimagine Rural” from the Brookings Institution showcases communities across America that are in the midst of renewal.
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Articles & News
Inside Our Towns: Josh Fryday, California’s Chief Service Officer
National division might grab headlines, but the story of uniting citizens through service in California is growing.
Push for Electric Ag Equipment in Oregon is Led by Independent Groups
With volatility being an integral part of farming, electric ag equipment could bring some predictability to farmers’ energy use and consumption, say experts.
Inside Our Towns: Scott and Tiffany Whaley
Feeding, sustaining, and building community in Kershaw, South Carolina through KARE.
Unlocking Potential
At-risk youth in North Carolina hold the keys to flipping a decommissioned prison into a sustainable farm and community asset.
Kershaw Invests in Community with New Ideas in Old Spaces
A train depot that’s a museum. A bank branch building that’s become a library. Another former bank that is serving as an early education center. Here is how this South Carolina town is repurposing buildings of the past to build up its future.
Our Towns – Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jim and Deb will be the featured guests during an hour and a half panel with Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell and Downtown SSMID (Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District)…
How One Small Ohio Town Practices Democracy
Small is big in Mount Blanchard, Ohio. The town approached change in two ways, and Deborah Fallows reports on the impact she and her husband, James, saw during their travels there.
Inside Our Towns: Tighe Bullock
Evan Sanford catches up with Tighe Bullock, the accountant, lawyer, downtown developer, and construction contractor, on his latest work in Charleston, West Virginia.
Global Effort Takes Libraries to the People
Libraries Without Borders finds innovative ways to meet community residents where they are to provide equitable access to the range of services today’s libraries offer.
How America’s Towns are Writing the Future of the Country and More
Our Towns is proud to showcase our latest reporting in person in Erie, Pennsylvania at the Jefferson Educational Society’s Global Summit. We will focus on local heroes who are part of…
Betsy K. McCreight Lecture in the Humanities
On Thursday, Oct. 20, Deborah and James Fallows will be in Charleston, West Virginia to deliver the Betsy K. McCreight Lecture in the Humanities. The event honors the late Board…
What Do Colleges Do For Their Communities – and the Country?
‘What can colleges do for the country?’ is an important question to ask, and a powerful theme explored in The Washington Monthly’s annual college rankings issue. This conversation was hosted by New…
What’s the Quickest Way to Make a Big Difference, Through a Little Step? It’s Right There in the Backyard.
Change comes slowly, then all at once.
Another Look Into the ‘Heart’ of America
First, a geographic perspective. Then, the country's struggle to recognize ways in which it is changing—and might be improving.
UW student project aims to spur climate change conversations
New website features local voices to help encourage people to take part in conversations about a changing environment.