Developing a Rural Renaissance Community Index to Define, Assess, and Improve Community Features that Expand Human Potential and Economic Development

Ann Marie Fiore	Linda Niehm	Ellen Fairchild	Steven Garasky	Sara Kadolph	Miyoung Jeong
Elena Karpova	Sara Marcketti	Haemoon Oh	Daniel Russell	David Swenson	Gregory Welk

 

Principal Investigators (PIs)
Ann Marie Fiore, PI, AESHM
Linda Niehm, Co-Lead Investigator, AESHM
Ellen Fairchild, Co-PI, Steven Garasky, Co-PI, HDFS
Sara Kadolph, Co-PI, AESHM
Miyoung Jeong, Co-PI, AESHM
Elena Karpova, Co-PI, AESHM
Sara Marcketti, Co-PI, AESHM
Haemoon Oh, Co-PI, AESHM
Daniel Russell, Co-PI, HDFS
David Swenson, Co-PI, Econ
Gregory Welk, Co-PI, HHP

Amount Awarded: $17,482

Duration: 1 year

Contact: Ann Marie Fiore, amfiore@iastate.edu

Abstract: This proposal seeks to develop a Rural Renaissance Community Index (RRCI) that is based on five factors identified as essential to helping rural economies develop in the 21^st Century. Promotion of these factors is essential to the economic development of rural communities. The developed RRCI will help communities assess and promote current levels of rural community infrastructural (e.g., technology, education, diversity, businesses, and recreation), cultural (e.g., art venues), and social features that develop and attract the human capital (i.e., expand human potential) needed to facilitate economic development in the new economy.

Our cross-disciplinary collaboration will offer benefits to rural communities, schools, individuals, and businesses. Primary and secondary data sources will be used in measurement of indicators including diversity, quality of education, recreational resources, and uniqueness of retail and hospitality offerings.

The potential return-on-investment from the RRCI is multi-faceted, including increased external funding, media attention adding to the prominence of the College of Human Sciences and its scholars, and increased student interest and enrollment in programs offered through the college.