New Avenues for Public Policy

T he current decline in the economic well-being of the residents of the rural Heartland is well documented. High poverty rates, limited job growth, falling real per capita income, and increased out-migration are all signs of current economic problems. The region’s future is far from certain. As noted in earlier chapters, the rural Heartland is extremely diverse. Not all of its communities are suffering. Some are in a position to compete in the global economy and others are apt to do well because of natural amenities. Nonetheless, absent major shifts in national, state, and local rural policy, most of the rural Heartland is likely to struggle for some time to come. Just as the rural Heartland’s economic conditions have changed dramatically in recent years, so too must rural policy. Farming is no longer the dominant economic base in many parts of the region. The rural Heartland now has a much broader industrial structure, including mining, manufacturing, services, tourism, and retirement-related businesses. Farm policy continues to be extremely important in most parts of the rural Heartland, but so too is policy related to the economic well-being of the residents of the region engaged in other endeavors. Political conditions have also changed. Farmers and other rural residents are now a political minority. Urban residents are increasingly interested in ecological and social issues related to the management of rural resources. Debates over rural policy matters are becoming more contentious. All too often, disagreements occur because policy decisions are made at national and state levels with little local consultation. If both rural and urban interests are to be protected, new ways must be found to engage farm and nonfarm representatives in policy development. In addition, new mechanisms must be established to facilitate communication and negotiation among officials of local, state, and national governments, and the citizens of the rural Heartland. This chapter focuses on the crafting of policy for the rural Heartland in a new economic and political era. The first and second sections review the shortcomings of historic rural policy in the light of the current environment. The third section provides goals for future policy development. The fourth section outlines a set of policy options which are relevant in the new era. The fifth section discusses who should decide what is appropriate policy and how the costs of new programs should be distributed. The final section suggests an operational mechanism for policy development and oversight.