Rural Revitalization in Appalachian Ohio
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Date
2023-05
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Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
Over the last 100 years, the population of the United States of American has dramatically shifted from being heavily centered around rural communities to large urban center, all in thanks to changing standards of living, technological revolutions, and work opportunities. With this shift came the decline of small towns across the nation, leaving lasting and systemic socio-economic disparities between urban areas and their rural counterparts. Most of these disparities manifest as lower educational attainment and, in conjunction with that, a lowered household income. As the globe enters a new era that is dominated by remote work opportunities, more rural communities now have an unprecedented opportunity to positively change the narrative. This project explores the possibilities for rural towns to reinvent themselves through asset-based community development.
Specifically, this project has examined multiple rural communities within the State of Ohio that have previously diversified or are attempting to diversify their economies by focusing on tourism and recreation; especially ones that have historically hosted agriculture, natural resources, manufacturing, or other such services. The purpose of this is to examine the variety of strategies used by these communities and their peers to make tourism and recreational activities compatible economic opportunities. Additionally, the goal is to recognize the continued preservation of their unique identities and atmosphere as they vary in not only location, but regional identities and purpose. Focusing specifically on rural Ohio prevents harsh overgeneralization as many of these communities have a unique cultural background. By communicating and sharing the challenges and opportunities capitalized up by these communities, others looking for alternative pathways to find economic reinvestment may use this document as a guide.
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Keywords
Rural, City Planning, Appalachia, Community Development, Economic Development