The Rural Update October '96
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The Update addresses rural and small town community economic
development, with summaries and pointers to items on the Internet,
in major media, and in organizational newsletters and journals.
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Aspen Institute Rural Economic Policy Program; Tim Walter, Editor
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--- Mailed November 5th, 1996 ---
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CONTENTS
Quote Be A Good Neighbor
News and Announcements Funding
Rural Telecom Gatherings / Calendar
Books & Reports Dairy Farmer Pop Icon
More Rural Titles Contact Info & Subscribing
-------------------- QUOTE -------------------
"SOMEWHERE IN YOUR HISTORY IS THE KEY TO WHAT YOU MUST DO."
-- Nina Morais, former director of the Penn Center, St Helena Island, South
Carolina, at a meeting on helping all residents benefit from rapid growth in
rural areas. (See "Rural Communities in the Path of Development" below.)
------------- NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS -------------
VISUAL GUIDE TO RURAL COMMUNITY CHANGE
A recent planning effort in a small town outside Bozeman, MT, uncovered the
uncomfortable fact that growth wasn't driven by "latte-sipping Californians"
but by local Montana transplants. Thus, bashing outsiders wasn't going to
work as a planning theme. Two academics from Montana State University helped
move planning forward with a "visual" model that uses mapping to predict
growth and land use patterns. The professors' maps take into account
residents' attitudes, economic changes, and government programs. Contact
Bruce Maxwell, ussbm@gemini.oscs.montana.edu & Jerry Johnson, MT State U.,
Bozeman, MT, 406-994-0211. (Christian Sci Monitor, 10/10/96, "Rural Montana
Rewrites Myth of Yuppie Sprawl" and Montana Policy Review, MSU Local Gov't
Center, Vol 6, #1, 1996; "Community Sustainability Through Ecosystem
Management and Planning," tel# above.)
NORTH-SOUTH CELEBRATION; GENEROSITY WINS THE DAY
This October the small town of Fitzgerald, GA, celebrated its 100th
anniversary. Back in 1896, 2,700 aging Civil War Union vets settled the town,
and within months of their arrival, held a blue-gray parade in which former
enemies marched side-by-side behind the Stars and Stripes. The development
lesson here: Why settle in Georgia? A drought had ravaged the Midwest in the
1890's, and it turns out that Georgia had been outstanding in its generosity
in helping the region, catching the interest of an Indianapolis newspaper
editor. He published editorials encouraging the development of a retirement
community in the South. (Funny aside: the fire station is on Sherman Ave.)
(Christian Science Monitor, 10/7/96, p3)
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE CAMPAIGN TO SET ROOTS
The Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture, formed as a network of groups around
the Farm Bill debate, is renaming itself and planning a more permanent
organization. The Mott Foundation has awarded a two-year grant to help
establish the "National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture." Continuing
work will focus on Congressional agricultural appropriations which is an
annual debate (as opposed to the mandated commodity programs which are set for
the duration of 7 years). Contact NCSA, PO Box 396, Pine Bush, NY 12566;
914-744-8448 tel, 914-744-8477 fax.
NURSING HOME USE MORE LIKELY IN RURAL AREAS
Elderly people living in sparsely populated areas are admitted to nursing
homes at a rate 25% higher than urban areas. Experts attribute the difference
to lack of alternative care options in rural areas and to a more favorable
attitude to nursing homes because the rural elderly are more likely to have
visited friends and relatives in homes. ("Gerontology" 9/96, and Washington
Post 9/17/96, Health section)
ONCE AGAIN USDA CONSIDERING SUBSIDIES FOR LARGE LIVESTOCK GROWERS
Agriculture officials will be conducting 54 local hearings to determine which
hog and cattle producers are "large" and thus won't qualify for special
environmental incentive funds. Supposedly this issue was resolved during Farm
Bill debate but has reopened. The National Campaign for Sustainable Ag wants
the money reserved for smaller producers who won't build waste lagoons.
Contact the Campaign office at 914-744-8448 or Lloyd Wright, Conservation and
Ecosystem Assistance Division, NCRS, PO Box 2890, Washington DC 20013.
ARMED WITH HOGS AND READY TO FIRE
The Chicago Tribune reports on a farmer fighting a local developer who wants
to put 160 new homes on 7,200 sq.ft. lots in a rural town south of
Indianapolis. "I may not be able to stop the Plan Commission...but I sure can
make it miserable for [the developer] to sell his lots," says farmer Carl
DeWeese. His threat is to start raising hogs as a defense against what he
claims will be a burden to roads, schools and rural charm. (Sign me up for a
"lagoon with a view.") (Chicago Tribune, 9/15/96 p3)
------------- RURAL TELECOM & UNIVERSAL SERVICE --------------
SMALL TOWN, HIGH SPEED ACCESS IS POSSIBLE
The residents of Glasgow, KY, have some of the best Internet service available
in the US courtesy of their Electric Power Board. For $25 a month, residents
get cable TV and unlimited, blazingly fast Internet access. Quick details: the
power company is a municipal agency, thus they escape state and federal
regulation and are overseen instead by a local town council. The Power Board
laid cable to the 2,500 residences under an effort to manage power usage, and
in the process sold cable TV to pay for the wiring. Local government can be
entrepreneurial! There are about 2,100 municipal power boards in the US in 47
states that could try the same project. (See http://www.glasgow-ky.com/epb.)
UNINVERSAL SERVICE REGS DUE SOON
The Federal Communications Commission is due to release regulations on
Universal Service on Nov. 7th, but observers think that the deadline may be
extended or that pronouncements will be very general and simply send
decision-making to the state level. Three items to watch: 1) protecting the
size of the Universal Service subsidy fund which helps pay for basic phone
access to businesses and residents in remote areas, 2) telecom access
discounts for schools, libraries and health centers, and 3) the types of
services eligible to be subsidized (for instance, a healthcare committee on
Universal Service recommended that rural clinics be subsidized to receive a
high speed connection known as "T-1" that is not now available in all rural
areas.)
DOWNSIDE OF SCHOOL & CLINIC TELECOM DISCOUNTS (RAIN ON PARADE)
School discounts (above #2) may seem wonderful, but in rural areas they may
cause unintended negative consequences for small financial gain. One of the
leading strategies for improving rural telecom access is the idea that all
organizations in town join together to bundle their needs and choose one main
telecom provider for telephone, cable TV and Internet (aka "aggregating").
Removing some of the largest users (schools and clinics) from the equation can
damage coalition building. Solution: be prepared to reject federally mandated
discounts in favor of a better rate negotiated as a local community.
TWO OTHER TELECOM REFORM ISSUES DEAR TO SMALL PHONE COMPANIES
"Universal service" is not the only issue to follow relevant to rural telecom.
First, small companies fear the erosion of special protections they have
against local competition. Under the proposed deregulation, new companies
will spring up to offer local service. These new local providers will be
allowed to "rent" phone lines from the existing phone company below cost in
order to jump-start competition. The danger is known as "cherry picking" or
"cream skimming:" new entrants may focus only on providing service to large
customers (businesses) and residents who are easy to reach (town dwellers),
leaving outlying areas to be serviced by a weakened old phone company. To get
involved: this issue is known as "interconnection," and the debate will likely
take place at the state level under the auspices of your public utility
commission.
Second, as the feds consider how to encourage competition for local phone
service, small phone companies are nervous about declining fees they receive
from long distance companies. Right now, about 65% of small company revenues
come from their share of long distance charges. Worst case scenario for a
small phone company: AT&T enters a rural town, rents lines from the local
company below cost, and then provides both local and long distance service.
(For more info on the economics of rural phone companies see papers by Bruce
Egan on the Web at www.wyoming.com/~ace.)
BE NOT TELE-DISCOURAGED
To paraphrase one telecom analyst I met recently, he threw his hands up and
said "Oh what the heck, just deregulate it all, see what shakes out, and then
come in with subsidies for the poor residents." Understanding telecom is
really tough. Try not to get discouraged; instead, get together with local
folks to begin to tackle issues as they relate to your immediate locale. Good
Web sites to visit to follow policy on these topics are www.benton.org and
www.itc.org, and Bruce Egan's papers mentioned above. -TW-
------------------- BOOKS & REPORTS -------------------
"THE PRACTICE OF MICROENTERPRISE IN THE UNITED STATES"
This 79-page report helps establish baseline standards for "best practices" in
US microenterprise development. The report's four sections cover: 1) lending
and training strategies, 2) costs in relation to outcomes, 3) program
effectiveness with relation to scale, portfolio size and sustainability, and
4) future challenges for the field. 1996, $35; Aspen Institute Self
Employment Learning Project. Contact publications office: 410-820-5326, fax
827-9174, publications@aspeninst.org.
NEGOTIATING BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
"Lost Landscapes and Failed Economics: The Search for a Value of Place," by
Thomas Michael Power. "While both environmental protection and industries
such as mining and timber can contribute to local economic well-being, a
reliance on extraction industries leads to economic instability and rarely
leads to a high quality of life." Island Press, $29.95, 1996.
"RURAL COMMUNITIES IN THE PATH OF DEVELOPMENT: STORIES OF GROWTH, CONFLICT &
COOPERATION"
This report covers background on rapid population growth in rural areas, and
presents lessons about community capacity building and community-based
economic development strategies used to confront problems associated with
rapid growth. The report includes a framework to gauge where your community
stands in the development process and the strategies relevant to your
condition. 1996, 31 pp, $10; Aspen Institute Rural Economic Policy Program.
Contact publications office, 410-820-5326, fax 410-827-9174,
publications@aspeninst.org.
COMMUNITY TIES TO PLACE
"Rooted in the Land: Essays on Community and Place," William Vitek and Wes
Jackson, eds. "This engrossing book is dedicated to the notion that human
lives are enriched by participation in a social community that is integrated
into the natural landscape of a particular place." Yale U Press, 1996.
BUSINESS RECRUITMENT HOW TO
"Economic Development: Marketing for Results," by Eric P. Canada. Business
recruitment is often questioned as a sound rural development strategy, but
without debating the merits of that here, if you do have to recruit, this book
will help you analyze your town, select target companies, and energize your
staff. Contact Blane, Canada Ltd; brochure available, 1995; $100,
630-462-9222, ecanada@ix.netcom.com.
"SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT"
Chris Maser follows on his book "Resolving Environmental Conflict: Towards
Sustainable Community Development." Both books deal with the community-driven
process, active learning, and shared communication. ($39.95 each, 1996; St.
Lucie Press, Delray Beach FL, 407-274-9906, www.slpress.com.)
"PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT"
By F. Douglas Maschett, this book addresses the topic of environmental ethics
that should be adopted by the private sector in order to promote widespread
well-being. He talks about "a new phase of global trade and economic
development." (1996; $49.95. St. Lucie Press, Delray Beach FL, 407-274-9906,
www.slpress.com.)
SMALL TOWN MARILYN MONROE
"The Enchantment of Lily Dahl," by Siri Hustvedt. "A haunting mystery of a
beautiful heroine who is struggling to create adventure in a small Minnesota
town ... outer limits and odd corners of human experience." (Henry Holt
publishers, 1996.)
-------------- OTHER RURAL & DEVELOPMENT TITLES --------------
The following are new releases or new to
paperback, or sometimes just new to the
Rural Update. Ask for them at your local
independent bookstore or inter-library loan
through USDA extension service.
"NTC'S DICTIONARY OF FOLKSY, REGIONAL, AND RURAL SAYINGS--
A Practical Guide to Down-Home Sayings and How They Are Used"
Anne Bertram, NTC Publishing Group, 1996.
"SUSTAINABLE AMERICA: A NEW CONSENSUS"
Report by President's Council on Sustainable Development, covers federal
agenda including agriculture and "sustainable communities." On the Web at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/PCSD.
"THE ESSENTIAL BOOK OF RURAL AMERICA: DOWN TO EARTH BUILDINGS"
David Larkin, Universe Publishers, 1996.
"LONG-TERM CARE FOR THE RURAL ELDERLY"
Graham Rowles, Joyce Beaulieu, Wayne Myers, Eds., Springer Verlag, 1996.
"NO PLACE BUT HERE: A TEACHER'S VOCATION IN A RURAL COMMUNITY"
Garret Keizer, University Press of New England, 1996.
"RURAL WOMEN TEACHERS IN THE UNITED STATES: A SOURCEBOOK"
Andrea Wyman, Scarecrow Press, 1996.
"LAST HOUSE ON THE ROAD: EXCURSIONS INTO A RURAL PAST"
Ronald Jager, Beacon Press, 1996. "Affectionate telling of small town New
England, including basic participatory democracy."
-------------- BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR: HELP WANTED & INQ -------------
INQUIRY -- TRAINING IN RURAL AREAS
"We are seeking advice on conducting training in rural areas, specifically in
the following issues: incentives to attend, travel barriers, and marketing."
Please contact Minnesota Infant Toddler Training Intensive Project, Beth
Menninga, HN6870@handsnet.org or 612-290-9704 x12.
CENTER FOR RURAL AFFAIRS
Two staff openings in farm conservation and rural policy reform; one senior,
one junior spot. Box 406, Walthill NE 68067; deadline Nov 19th.
RURAL CALIFORNIA HOUSING CORPORATION
Eleven VISTA or AmeriCorps volunteer openings, in housing and community
development. Starting dates ASAP. Jeff Kositsky, 916-442-1701, x3320.
------------------- FUNDING -------------------
EPA's waste water program "Hardship Grants Program for Rural Communities" is
finalizing regulations. The program will award $50 million to states to pass
through to rural towns of population under 3,000. For a preliminary viewing
of the regulations, see: (http://www.epa.gov/OW/sec8) or call (202) 260-2268
and leave your name and mailing address.
------------------- GATHERINGS & CONFERENCES ------------------
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS
"Ideas that Work"
Nov 9-12, 1996, Hilton Head, SC
NADO - 202-624-7806
"RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: BUILDING SKILLS AND PARTNERSHIPS"
Regional workshops on housing and economic development by Rural LISC.
Nov 18-20, Myrtle Beach, SC (groups from AL, GA, FL, MD, NC, SC, VA)
Dec 9-11, New Orleans, (groups from AR, LA, MS, NM, OK, TX)
Call or e-mail LISC: 202.785.2908, hn5647@handsnet.org
ACCESS '96
Internet Access Conference (in conjunction with Canadian efforts to provide
1,500 sites throughout the country in the next few years)
November 21-23, 1996, Syndney, Nova Scotia
Lee Singleton, 902-563-1676, leesing@sparc.uccb.ns.ca
LINKING COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GLOBALLY
An On-line conference to join local CED efforts across borders.
Workshop in Ottawa, Nov 27-28, 1996, with on-line interactions following. Ann
Cioppa, 613-596-6262, westven@web.net, www.idrc.ca/ced
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT VENTURE CAPITAL ALLIANCE
December 10-12, 1996; Chicago IL
Judy Burton, CDVCA, 700 Lonsdale Bldg, Duluth MN 55802, 218-725-6834 tel,
725-6800 fax.
1996 NATIONAL RURAL HOUSING CONFERENCE
Housing Assistance Council
Dec 11-14, 1996; Washington DC
HAC 202-842-8600
-------------- HAPPY ELECTION DAY --------------
"I SPENT MOST OF MY LIFE IN A BARN, NOW I JUST WANT TO SPEND A LITTLE TIME IN
THE HOUSE." DAIRY FARMER RUNS FOR CONGRESS:
What else can you do with a 10th grade education and no references and still
make $129,000 a year? Get elected to the Congress. "Man with a Plan" stars
Fred Tuttle, real-life farmer from Tunbridge, VT, in a spoof election-year
film. Although the film is cute, the director figures the way to get famous
is to make Tuttle into a pop icon. Tuttle, 77 years old, is living life as a
star, traveling to rock concerts and posing with groupies. "I get kissed all
the time...it can get pretty rough. Dottie doesn't fully appreciate it." The
film has been playing in New England and opens in big cities (oh well) around
the US on November 1. I met the charming & earthy Fred Tuttle during the DC
opening; you can see him on the Web at: http://www.spreadfred.com or in People
Mag, 11/4/96.
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Timothy R. Walter
The Aspen Institute Rural Economic Policy Program
1333 New Hampshire Ave. NW #1070
Washington, DC 20036-1511 USA
tel: 202-736-5834 fax: 202-467-0790
E-mail: timothy@aspeninst.org
Web: http://www.aspeninst.org/rural
--- end ---
Associate Professor
Dept. of Ag. Economics & Rural Soc.
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID 83843
http://www.uidaho.edu/~scooke/onepercent
208-885-7170 (phone)
208-885-5759 (fax)