Rural Futures Lab

URL: http://ruralfutureslab.org/Default.aspx

Mission:
To define a new future-oriented narrative for rural America that includes the development of public policies designed to encourage private investment in economic activities that yield better outcomes for rural people and places.

Background:
The Rural Futures Lab is a center within the Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI) at the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri. Early partners in the initiative include the Community and Regional Development Institute at Cornell University and the Research & Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities at the University of Montana. With a focus on the resources that make rural areas increasingly vital to the nation's and planet's well-being, the lab aims to foster dialogue around efforts to ensure that rural people are full partners in the stewardship and development of rural resources.

Outstanding Web Features:
Visitors to the site can read about critical economic drivers such as food, energy, natural resources, and ecosystem services that will shape the future of rural America, as well as the need to develop both "hard" (transportation, health care, telecommunications) and "soft" (a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, regional resilience, youth engagement) infrastructure. Visitors to the site can also access policy and research papers, case studies, and profiles of regional collaborations. In addition, a blog offers different perspectives on rural development priorities, natural gas extraction and alternative energy sources, and disaster preparedness and recovery.

Director: Brian Dabson

Main Office:
Rural Futures Lab, Harry S Truman School of Public Affairs, University of Missouri
216 Middlebush
Columbia, MO 65211
Tel: (573) 882-5060
E-mail: brian@rupri.org