You have what they want
Barbershop in Gowrie, Iowa also provides equipment for disc golf and is a gathering place.
As young families come home to small towns, they are often remote workers.
Mainstreet.Org says at the end of the day, the strength of this trend will be determined by how communities position themselves to leverage this growing interest in rural and small towns.
What can you do to position your town to leverage this growing interest in rural and small towns?
Promote your assets.
Recreational opportunities are just one thing people are looking for.
There are things you take for granted in your small town. Things that other people are looking for! The lake where you go fishing is an asset. The dirt trail the kids like to ride on is an asset. Sustainable ecotourism is a hot topic. Football, soccer, basketball, baseball, pickleball, and tennis are just a few activities you might have in your town.
Infrastructure matters.
Do you have buildings that were built in the 1800s? What is unique about them? This makes them an asset. Is there free wifi in your downtown? That’s an asset. How is the broadband in your area? Do you have any forms of transportation for people? The bus that takes seniors to doctor appointments, a local cab service, and Uber drivers -those are all valuable assets too.
Food matters too.
Farmers markets, community gardens, and local grocery stores are just a few examples people want.
The arts.
People are looking for cultural opportunities to explore the arts. Are there art installations? That includes the neat signage that tells your town’s story. Festivals that have artists involved like someone who paints faces to gallery displays of local artists count. What are some of the old skills still being taught? Hardanger, crocheting, cooking, and blacksmithing are just a few examples.
The towns that are open to new ideas and willing to invite new residents to participate in the decision-making process are the ones that will succeed.
Get started today.
This is important. Everyone should do this.
START A LIST OF WHAT IS GOOD IN YOUR TOWN.
Ask others to contribute to it. Keep building it. Every little thing counts.
For example, maybe you’ve got four leaf clovers in your park. Or your Fourth of July parade has fire trucks and drivers throwing out beads (ok, ok, I do live in Mississippi and beads are a big deal here.) You just never know what one small thing will matter to someone.
Share the list, often. In your community, with your local newspapers, and online.
And email me a copy deb@saveyour.townI’d like to share it too!