This document provides best practices for development in Rocky Mountain territory and the rural Midwest. In addition, it reviews case studies of the application of these best practices in local towns and cities, including Fort Benton and Rocky Boy, MT. Finally, this work provides suggestions for policy reform for the most successful development in rural locations.
The Baseline Indicator Data is a downloadable excel file with pertinent statistics for each county and Indian community in the region as well as the region as a whole. Various data is available on the following topics: economy, population, education, transportation, and land use. This data complements the Northcentral Montana Regional Plan and the Indicator Report Card. The data serves as a basis for measuring progress, or areas of improvement, in future economic and community development of the region. The data can be used by communities for individual evaluation and goal-setting.
Baseline Indicators data file
Industry clusters “are geographic concentrations of interconnected companies and related supporting institutions.” This paper identifies such industry clusters as strategies for sustaining economic, workforce, trade, and education development. Read the full article for case studies and more information.
The Sonoran Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting western states with development and sustainability through research, best practices, and expert guidance. This assessment provides information on the importance of considering climate change in developmental planning. It offers data and best practice information on collaboration among local governments and private industry for successful economic development in lieu of impacts from climate change. Read the full assessment for details and follow the link for more resources from the Sonoran Institute.
This report provides statistics and information on the cycling tourism market in Montana. In 2012, cyclists brought in over $377 million dollars to the state of Montana, and cyclists are traveling throughout the state, even to the most rural regions. The study also outlines opportunities for communities to support touring cyclists and their local economies.
Click here for the direct link to EPA’s website.
This paper identifies methods of utilizing land for natural resource development, agriculture, and recreation with the aim of advancing economic success and community stability. View the full article for more ideas and details.
This paper focuses on building economy in rural communities by utilizing existing infrastructure for further development. It also highlights the use of a community’s historical and cultural value, coupled with main street use and tourism, to boost economic investment. Read the full article for more planning ideas and case study results.
The Montana Area Health Education Center (AHEC) works to enhance access to quality health care by bettering the supply and distribution of healthcare providers through community and academic educational partnerships. The AHEC website provides residents with resources for researching the health needs and assets throughout the state, maintains community health profiles, and promotes community health education.
PolicyLink provides information and examples of transportation efforts that are being made to increase equitable transporation for residents in rural regions. Download the PDF slides and watch the full webinar for more details and a case study from the Northcentral MT region!