Sustainable Economic Development in Rural America

Abstract

While globalization threatens many of the historical drivers of rural American economies, it also opens up new opportunities for economic development. In particular, globalization increases the ability of rural communities to establish sustainable forms of economic development. "Sustainable development" refers to practices that simultaneously create economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and social equity. Rural communities have increasingly embraced the concept of sustainable development as a mantra for expressing their desired pattern of development. In this article, the author draws on his experiences at Colgate University with a project called the Hamlets of Madison County to develop a theoretical model that outlines the conditions and factors that shape the ability of rural communities to develop sustainable economies.