This is now evidenced across all sectors in the rural community, from household usage through educational utilization and business applications. While agriculture remains a critical component of many rural economies, and the Farm Gate and Main Street are more closely linked than ever, new economic engines must be found if we are to create and sustain a broad-based rural renaissance. While the rural economy, in general, is stronger, it remains fragile and very uneven. The current challenge in the agricultural economy is but one of several examples. Rural communities must close the growing digital divide, entice new venture and equity capital, and support rural entrepreneurs and new, environmentally appropriate, business opportunities.
Poverty remains an intractable challenge in many rural areas.
This rural poverty is working poverty, which points to the challenges in overcoming these human and social capital challenges with welfare or workforce programs. Rural America has three-quarters of our governmental jurisdictions, and is much more heavily affected by federal transfer shifts than urban America. Rural America continues to educate and export our best young people. Health care quality, finance, and delivery remain huge challenges. Welfare and workforce development programs are critical to assuring viable rural communities.