April 25, 2007 APA Joins National Coalition Supporting Rural Communities WASHINGTON, DC — The American Planning Association (APA) has joined the Campaign for a Renewed Rural Development, a coalition of national organizations urging Congress to fully support rural community development needs in the Farm Bill reauthorization. The legislation must provide the necessary assistance, funding, and tools to promote good planning and protect rural communities. "Rural communities face many challenges. Some see increasing development pressure as farmland is devoured through rapid urbanization while others need a plan for sustainable economic growth and reinvestment in vital infrastructure," said Jason Jordan, APA Policy Director. "APA and our coalition members want to ensure the vitality and character of rural communities is protected by fully funding a flexible rural development program in the Farm Bill." APA believes that the legislation must include provisions for assisting rural communities with planning processes including economic development, protecting sensitive lands, and preserving family farming. Financial assistance is necessary to help communities update or expand infrastructure and plan for the future of rural communities. Without appropriate support and funding for planning and rural development, too many rural communities will move from endangered to extinct. Rural communities offer a lifestyle option for citizens and are an integral component of the country's food system. The health and vitality of all Americans is linked to the strength of rural communities and small towns. APA's new Community and Regional Food Planning policy guide provides insight on how planners and good planning processes can address the challenges resulting from growth and change such as the increase of global food competitors and the dramatic decline of family farms. "As a country, we have an opportunity to make the right decisions to protect our rural communities and increase their competitiveness through innovative planning," said Jordan. "We must take appropriate action now because we will not be able to undo these trends if they continue." Contact |
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