Rural and Small-Town Economic Development Planning

The Southcoast Region benefits from a variety of partnerships that speak to the region’s rural and agricultural heritage. Both the Marion Institute’s Southcoast Food Policy Council and the Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP) provide resources to guide the future for a sustainable rural and food-based economy. At the state level, the Rural Policy Advisory Commission published the Rural Policy Plan in 2019. This resource provides insight to the existing conditions of rural and agricultural communities in the Commonwealth but focuses on the market demands. The Plan outlines ways to pivot from and strengthen a rural economy. In addition, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides funding for rural communities to support their economic development through infrastructure improvements and direct support to farmers and small businesses.

Stakeholders: Marion Institute, SEMAP, USDA State Office

Proposed Investment and Initiatives: Funding programs through USDA provide a series of resources to rural communities, though SRPEDD finds many communities are not eligible for funding due to median income restrictions. SRPEDD and its member communities will continue to partner with the State Rural Policy Advisory Commission, Marion Institute, and SEMAP as they develop and update their statewide and regional policies.

Strengths

• Incredible coastlines, rivers, natural resources, and recreation

Weaknesses

• Despite gains, our workforce development efforts are not keeping pace with competitors and the modern economy

Threats

• An aging population with increasing need for social services