For years, researchers have produced an incredible amount of literature on how to promote economic development in rural areas. However, rural stakeholders and community leaders may not be aware of the body of research that is available or best-promising practices that have been used to improve economic conditions in other rural communities.

The desire to assist rural communities in their efforts to increase economic activity and promote development led to a partnership between the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, Economic Development Quarterly, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

With the aim of creating conversations on the challenges and opportunities facing rural economic development, these groups co-sponsored an in-person conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Wednesday, September 28, and Thursday, September 29, 2022.

This two-day conference:

• Included a trip to a rural community outside Grand Rapids for discussions with community stakeholders and policymakers
• Involved dialogues between the authors of research papers on various topics pertaining to rural economic development and practitioners who address those topics in their daily work
• Included special keynote presentations and a reception and dinner featuring Kurt Barton, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Tractor Supply Company