Rural wealth creation as a sustainable economic development strategy: introduction to the special issue

Many rural areas in the United States find themselves struggling to build local assets and create wealth. They often struggle to hold on to the wealth that is created within their boundaries. Conventional approaches to community and economic development have been inadequate to reverse these trends. Shifting from an old paradigm for economic development requires supporting community leaders in new ways of thinking about economic development and the role of rural places, based on valuing multiple forms of wealth. There is a real need for an approach that can help stem the potential loss of existing wealth and attract new investment that will allow rural areas to become valued partners in regional economies. The articles in this special issue provide important insights into rural wealth creation as a sustainable economic development strategy. At the same time, a number of compelling issues are raised that merit future research effort and discussion.