New Ruralism STaR Communities Discussion

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• How to capitalize on the social, leadership, and development activities that are unique to small towns and rural areas because of relationships and politics
• Characteristics of flourishing small towns and rural areas
• How to position your town for success through creative approaches to aging in place, creation and support of small businesses, collaborative efforts, volunteerism, and special events

MORE SESSION DETAILS

New Ruralism is an emerging concept that highlights rural and small-town efforts to address their planning issues in creative ways. Although these efforts are happening nationwide, learning about rural planning efforts is a challenge because small-town planners are spread out across the country. National Planning Conference sessions are key opportunities for rural and small-town planners to come together to share and learn. New Ruralism has garnered research support from the APA Chapter Presidents Council and APA Divisions Council. Building on that, this APA session will provide a platform for engaging planners from small-town and rural communities who often are dealing with declining and aging populations, businesses leaving for other communities, shrinking tax bases and levels of service, and few resources for addressing these issues. New Ruralism focuses on small towns' efforts to harness existing assets to help communities thrive. Learn from examples shared by APA 's Northern New England Chapter in their study of New Ruralism and from plans developed by the New Allen Alliance and Newton, Georgia, winners of an APA Small Town and Rural Planning Division award. Participate in a discussion about what best practices can be used in your community to strengthen small-town quality of life.