Each year, the Center for Rural Policy and Development produces the State of Rural Minnesota report, a brief update on the economy and demography of rural Minnesota. As policy discussions concerning rural Minnesota unfold, it is important to understand the past, present, and potential futures of our rural regions.

The number of students choosing to open enroll in Greater Minnesota has been trending upward consistently since the policy was developed, but within the last ten years, these patterns have been intensifying, and in such a way that they are impacting how districts plan their programming, busing, and finances.

EXCERPT: “Healthcare experts offered their advice for preserving access to emergency services in rural communities, and for improving the overall health of patients during a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday. They suggested using global budgets, increasing the use of telemedicine and strengthening support for the healthcare workforce in these areas. But first, the Democratic ...

  Anna Wasescha, president and CEO of West Central Initiative in Fergus Falls, joins Jim again to talk about relocating to rural communities and how there are lots of places for people to work and contribute to the community regardless of their age. It’s all about helping people have the best life possible.

EXCERPT: “Lane-departure crashes on curves make up a significant portion of fatal crashes on rural Minnesota roads. To improve safety, solutions are needed to help drivers identify upcoming curves and inform them of a safe speed for navigating the curve. ‘Traditionally there are two ways to do this: with either static signage or with dynamic ...

EXCERPT: “Open enrollment has increased across Greater Minnesota over the last decade, according to research by the Center for Rural Policy and Development. The percentage of students choosing to open enroll in rural Minnesota districts increased from 9 percent in 2006-2007 to 15 percent in 2016-2017. For non-metro districts that are regional centers, open enrollment increased ...