At the Center for Rural Policy and Development (CRPD), we’re always looking toward the future — not just of rural Minnesota, but of the people, systems, and communities that make it thrive. Between now and June 2026, our team will be digging into a series of projects that shine a light on the everyday realities facing Greater Minnesota. From young people and childcare to health care and local government, these studies will help leaders and residents alike make sense of the trends shaping our rural towns and counties.
Here’s a look at what’s on our research horizon.
Migration: Where Young People Go — and Why
Every year, thousands of high school graduates in Greater Minnesota make big decisions about their next steps: college, work, military service, or moving elsewhere. But what really drives those choices? Our Migration study will take a closer look at where young people go after graduation, what opportunities they pursue, and what factors influence whether they stay in or leave rural areas. By examining regional data and listening to local voices, we’ll help communities better understand what attracts and retains the next generation.
Mental Health Services for BIPOC Minnesotans in Greater Minnesota
Access to mental health care remains a challenge in much of rural Minnesota — and for residents who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), the barriers can be even greater. This project will explore how well mental health systems in Greater Minnesota are meeting the needs of BIPOC individuals and families, where gaps exist and why, and what promising ideas are emerging to make care more inclusive and accessible.
The Future of Childcare: Providers and Demand
Childcare continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing families, employers, and communities in Greater Minnesota. CRPD will be studying it from two key angles.
First: Where will new family childcare (FCC) providers come from? With many providers aging out or leaving the field, we’ll look at what could be keeping new people from stepping into that role and how communities can work with and support the next generation of caregivers.
Second: How will falling birth rates affect the need for childcare? While fewer births might sound like a relief to a strained system, the reality is more complex. Our research will unpack how shifting demographics influence both the supply and demand in the childcare field.
Trusted Members of the Community: An Old but New Tool for Mental Health
Sometimes, the best solutions to modern problems come from old ideas. Across rural Minnesota, “trusted members of the community” — whether they are friends and family or people who are known, respected, and connected — have long played informal roles in helping their neighbors. We’ll explore the destructive power of isolation and how trusted voices can help people who may be struggling with mental health issues.
Local Government Aid: Still Relevant for Greater Minnesota?
Local Government Aid (LGA) has been a cornerstone of Minnesota’s state-local fiscal partnership for decades, helping communities deliver essential services. But as demographics, economies, and needs evolve, is the current LGA formula still working as intended — especially for rural areas? Our analysis will revisit how these formulas are structured and whether they still reflect the realities of Greater Minnesota in 2026.
Caring for Our Elders: Access to Home Health Services in Greater Minnesota
As Minnesota’s population ages, more seniors want to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. But access to in-home care — from health services to help with daily activities — looks very different across rural Minnesota and in tribal nations. This project will examine where home health and personal care services are available, where gaps exist, and what barriers make it harder for families to find or afford the care they need.
Continuing Our Core Work: The State of Rural Minnesota and Atlas of Rural Minnesota
Of course, we’ll continue our annual updates to two of our cornerstone publications: the State of Rural Minnesota report and the Atlas of Rural Minnesota. These resources remain essential tools for understanding the economic, demographic, and social forces shaping rural life. Together, they form the foundation that helps CRPD — and everyone who uses our data — put the year’s new research into context.
Looking Forward
The challenges facing rural Minnesota are complex, but they are also opportunities to grow stronger, smarter, and more connected. As we move toward 2026, CRPD will continue to turn data into insight, and insight into action. We’re grateful for the community members, partners, and readers who make this work possible — and we can’t wait to share what we discover next.