Rural Community and Economic Development
The Federal Reserve recognizes that aggregate statistics on economic and financial conditions can mask important variations between regions and locales. Research demonstrates that the economic benefits of the business cycle are not distributed evenly across communities, particularly rural communities. In pursuit of its goal of maximum employment, the Federal Reserve conducts research and analysis to understand where and why these disparities exist, and how they affect businesses and residents. It also brings together local, state, and national partners to identify solutions and to accelerate positive change in their communities.
Presentations
Investing in Rural Prosperity
May 2022
Investing in Rural Prosperity: Framework for Advancing Economic Prosperity
November 2021
The Future of Rural Communities: Implications for Housing
May 2016
Research
The Effects of COVID-19, as Reported by Local Communities
February 2021
Housing Affordability in the U.S.: Trends by Geography, Tenure, and Household Income
September 2019
Publications
Supporting entrepreneurship for rural economic development
February 2022
Building Rural Capacity for an Inclusive Recovery
May 2022
Insights on Advancing Shared Rural Prosperity
December 2021
Investing in Rural Prosperity
November 2021
The “TRIC” to Fostering Shared Economic Prosperity in Rural America
October 2021
Perspectives from Main Street: Bank Branch Access in Rural Communities
November 2019
Harvesting Opportunity: The Power of Regional Food System Investments to Transform Communities
Summer 2017
Affordable Rental Housing in Rural Texas: Needs and Solutions
August 2019
Confronting Rental Affordability Shortages in the Rural Southeast
December 2018
Fed Research Looks at the Southeast's Affordable Housing Squeeze
December 2018
Access to Local Food Systems as a Rural Economic Driver
September 2018
Renters Feel the Squeeze, While Homeowners Enjoy Relative Affordability
Summer 2018
Harvesting Inclusive Economic Opportunity through Regional Food Systems Investments
February 2018
Food and Economic Growth: Setting the Table for Success
January 2018
Underserved Communities Find Fresh Success in Food
December 2017
The Economic Impact of Locally Produced Food
December 2017
Small Business Credit Survey: Report on Rural Employer Firms (PDF)
December 2017
Financing Food Co-ops to Advance Regional Food Systems
October 2017
Rural Gateway Peer-to-Peer Conference Call: Harvesting Opportunity
October 2017
How Regional Food Investment Creates More Equitable Communities
September 2017
Speeches
Chair Jerome H. Powell
February 2019
Encouraging Economic Development in High-Poverty Rural Communities
Chair Jerome H. Powell
December 2018
Welcoming Remarks At the Housing Assistance Council's 2018 Rural Housing Conference, Washington, D.C.
Vice Chair for Supervision Randal K. Quarles
December 2018
Banks as Vital Infrastructure for Rural Communities of the West
Vice Chair for Supervision Randal K. Quarles
October 2018
Trends in Urban and Rural Community Banks
Governor Lael Brainard
November 2017
Regional Food Systems and Community Development
Governor Lael Brainard
September 2017
Why Persistent Employment Disparities Matter for the Economy's Health