Small Town News

Six Myths about the Future of Small Towns

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When people of vision work together to get things done, many myths about small towns' viability prove untrue. That's the main point of a pamphlet from the Heartland Center for Leadership Development on six small town myths.

Myth #1. Town that are "too small" have no future.

Reality. There is no mythicalsize at which a town can survive. Heartland Center research shows that even very small towns can manage to survive through thoughtful planning, entrepreneurial genius and hard work.

Myth #2. A community's location is key to its survival.

Reality. In an information age, leadership, not location, is the most important factor in community survival.

Myth #3. Industrial recruitment is the best strategy for economic development.

Reality.Communities must adopt a broad-based economic development plan that supports existing businesses and encourages entrepreneurship.

Myth #4. Small towns can't compete in the global economy.

Reality. Small towns throughout America are home to an amazing variety of highly sophisticated, entrepreneurial successes.

Myth #5. The "best people" leave small towns as soon as they can.

Reality. Many talented and capable people choose the quality of small town living.

Myth #6. The rural and urban economies are not interdependent.

Reality. Many city residents often forget that our essential raw materials need dynamic rural infrastructures to move to an urban market.

(Taken from "101 More Ideas on Economic Development" by Cal Clark)

(The above was taken from the Wabaunsee County Economic Scoop, Summer 2010)



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© 2011 The Prairie Post White City, Kansas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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