Economic Empowerment in Rural Communities

Rural livability leaders know the benefits of harnessing economic development investments to community assets, such as outdoor recreation and walkable downtowns. They also know that residents and the local economy can’t thrive without essential services, such as high-speed internet, shopping options and access to healthy foods.

Corry, Pennsylvania

A fiber internet service map for the city of Corry.

Photo courtesy Impact Corry

Impact Corry, a community benefit organization in northwestern Pennsylvania, has been leading the effort to install a fiber optic network, with high-speed internet and high-paying jobs for residents at the core of the plan.

To support the maintenance of the network and meet the needs of businesses, the organization piloted a program to train community members for digital economy careers, including fiber optic technicians. The certificate programs created a talent pipeline for regional industry partners.

The approach, which launched in 2020, leveraged national funding and a community benefits agreement to provide low-cost or free internet to low-income households and older residents. 

Learn More: Read “Timeline: Corry’s Fiber Optic Network.”

Lake Placid, Florida

A slide from and about the Grow Community Teaching Garden

Photo courtesy Grow Community Teaching Garden

In Highway Park, a neighborhood of Lake Placid, Florida, the Grow Community Teaching Garden shares skills and agricultural knowledge with the community’s residents.

The ADA-compliant space, designed with input from residents of all ages, has become a vibrant hub for community activities and programs. The venue hosts cooking classes, agribusiness workshops and food preservation lessons while also donating produce to support neighbors in need.

Despite the challenges of inadequate funding, community apathy and extreme poverty, the teaching garden has persevered through the help of funding partners and the growth of small businesses inspired by its workshops.

Learn More: Order or download Creating Community Gardens for People of All Ages, a free publication from AARP.

Munich, North Dakota

Images show the map location of Munich, North Dakota, and the Munich Grocery; a shopper using her key fob to open the store's front door; the self-checkout area and an announcement about the store's 24-hour access system funded by the AARP Community Challenge.

Photo courtesy Munich Area Development Corporation

Now home to about 200 people, Munich, North Dakota, once boasted a vibrant Main Street with two grocery stores. Over time, as residents pursued employment and shopping in surrounding towns, the last grocer in Munich faced closure.

Recognizing the negative consequences of losing the store, the town applied for and received an AARP Community Challenge grant to operate the shop as a membership-based self-serve market. Shoppers now access the 24-hour store using a key fob or phone app for entry and self-checkout technology once inside.

The reimagination of the store offers convenience and preserves access to essential items. Two retired community members manage the store as part-time employees.

Learn More: Read about the Munich market and other solutions to address food insecurity in the article “AARP Grants Help Relieve Hunger.”