Planning for the Future of Small Rural Communities 01 30 2025

Planning for the Future of Small Rural Communities
Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 12 PM CT
Mayors, local officials, and community leaders from small rural communities (generally under 7,500 pop) are invited for a discussion in looking for ways to expand the quality of life and economic well-being in their towns. Often, small rural communities struggle to find their place in regional economic development efforts. In addition, community leaders in small towns are volunteers or have recently taken the role with little experience in community or economic development planning. Even more experienced leaders struggle to find ways to make their communities more desirable. Join Regional Extension Specialist Pam Schallhorn for Planning for the Future of Small Rural Communities. The workshop was developed for community leaders and local officials from small rural communities looking to improve their small towns' quality of life and economic well-being. During the workshop, participants will be presented with several evidence-based strategies for enhancing entrepreneurial development and harnessing the power of rural tourism, as well as some insights on ways to fund community projects.
In addition, the presenter, who has spent over a decade studying and assisting rural communities across Illinois, will supply examples of small towns that have successfully developed and implemented their strategic plans to reverse outmigration, expand business development, and enhance the quality of life.
About the presenter:
Pam Schallhorn is a University of Illinois Regional Extension Specialist with a diverse background in finance and community/economic development. She has spent the last decade working with rural communities across Illinois and the Midwest. Her teaching and research interests include creative-sector economic development, downtown revitalization, reversing the exodus of young adults, and cultural awareness. Before coming to Extension, she was a commercial lender and Director of the Small Business Development Center in Rockford, IL. She holds a master's degree in political studies and a bachelor's in finance.