We're Becky McCray from Oklahoma and Deb Brown from Mississippi. You're in the right place to get practical steps you can put into action right away to shape a better future for your community.
Discover our Tour of Empty Buildings, Empty Lot Economic Development and Cheap Downtown Placemaking Ideas, through our short videos, audios, longer courses and detailed toolkits.
For in person learning, co-founders Deb Brown and Becky McCray deliver keynotes, workshops, and in-depth Idea Friendly Action Visits.
Keep up with rural trends, and hear the latest from respected thought leaders.
These are the videos to turn to when your downtown needs some help, whether it’s dead in the evenings or just dead! You get ways to bring more life and activity downtown, into the heart of your community.
Too often, the challenge holding us back the most is our own people. Whether they are actively negative or just a little stuck in the past, these videos help you shift some thinking, getting things positive and keeping them there.
Each year, another class of seniors graduates high school and most of them move away. Young families move into town, but they’re busy and don’t seem to get involved. How can small towns attract and retain young people? These videos share practical ideas you can put into action right away.
Housing has gone from a rural advantage to a top challenge. From blight to lack of new housing, each community has different issues. These videos make housing projects easier and share practical information.
Volunteers are burning out. People just don’t step up for traditional volunteer jobs like they used to. With all the other change in society, volunteering has to change, too. These videos share ways to unleash whole new ranks of people and maybe even change your thinking about the chaos that comes with them.
The way we do business in rural areas is not just a mom and pop model anymore. We’re redefining what a business is and what a job is. That means economic development has to change, too. These videos lay out the Innovative Rural Business Models, Rural Jobs Creation Strategies, and more ways to create positive developments and support local businesses.
It’s never been easier to start a local business, but it’s never been more challenging to make it work long term. Learn ways to support local businesses, promote more entrepreneurship and help your community prosper.
Keep up with trends and changes that affect your community. Spot opportunities and get practical steps to build on them.
Access to nature and natural settings is a big rural advantage. Get practical steps to make more of your parks, trails and waters. Learn to grow your food business ecosystem. Even turn empty lots into opportunities.
Your town isn't the only one struggling to come back after a disaster, economic losses or another crisis. This special collection gives you practical steps toward restarting your local economy and being more resilient no matter what the world throws at us next.
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