On May 21, NADO participated in a panel discussion at the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (http://nacdep NULL.net/) (NACDEP) Annual Conference in Park City, Utah. Cheryal Lee Hills, Executive Director of the Region Five Development Commission (http://www NULL.regionfive NULL.org/) (Staples, MN), Stephanie Bertaina, Senior Policy Analyst at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Sustainable Communities (http://www NULL.epa NULL.gov/dced/), and Kathy Nothstine, NADO Associate Director, discussed ways that rural communities across America are working to strengthen their economies, improve quality of life, and capitalize on their assets. The presentations highlighted case studies of regions and communities that are applying creative planning, funding, and implementation approaches to enhance economic competitiveness and build more resilient regions and communities.

The presentations can be viewed here:

Achieving Economic Vitality through Smart Growth in Rural Communities and Small Towns (Bertaina) (PDF)

Prosperous, Healthy, Vibrant Rural Regions and Communities (Nothstine) (PDF)

Central Minnesota Resilient Region Initiative (Hills) (PDF)