Reimagining the Rural West was the Chairman's Initiative of WGA Chair and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. The Initiative examined challenges and opportunities in rural economic development, infrastructure and quality of life. The Special Report of the Initiative offers more than a dozen recommendations to support vibrant rural communities in the West organized around three major pillars: Opportunity, Connectivity and Community.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum talked about the "opportunity to do things that are remarkable," rural sociologist Ben Winchester debunked an "inaccurate" rural narrative, and roundtable discussions delivered a wealth of ideas and strategies to revitalize western communities and economies during the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative workshop in Fargo on Oct. 1, 2019.
The webinar opened with WGA Chair and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum introducing the themes and policy issues to be explored through his Chairman’s Initiative. Then the governor moderated a panel discussion about challenges in the rural West and ideas for building vibrant rural communities focusing on the Initiative’s three pillars, which are: Opportunity, Connectivity and Community. Watch the webinar, download the slides.
Out West Episode 1: Reimagining the Rural West with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum
Our inaugural episode finds WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip talking with WGA Chair and North Dakota Gov. Burgum about why he chose to pursue this Initiative. Gov. Burgum is from Arthur, North Dakota, a town of 347 people, so if anyone knows the opportunities and challenges of rural life, it’s him. To listen, click the embedded player, or visit Podbean. Out West is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Out West Episode 2: Reimagining the Rural Narrative with Benjamin Winchester and Jennifer Groth
Our sophomore episode finds WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip discussing ways to rewrite the predominantly negative narrative that often surrounds rural communities. She’s joined by Ben Winchester, a rural sociologist from the University of Minnesota Center for Community Vitality; and Jennifer Groth, Policy and Partnerships Manager at Rural Development Initiatives. To listen, click the embedded player below, or visit Podbean. Out West is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Out West Episode 3: A Sense of Place with Daved Lundeen, Kim Konikow and Melvin Juanico
This episode explores the use of “placemaking” by rural community leaders to capitalize on local assets and create environments where people want to live, work and play. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip in a discussion with: Daved Lundeen, Executive Director of the North Dakota-based Williston Downtowners Association; Kim Konikow, Executive Director of the North Dakota Council on the Arts; and Melvin Juanico, Operations Manager for the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum in New Mexico. To listen, click the embedded player or visit Podbean. Out West is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Out West Episode 4: Growing Through Rural Partnerships with Megan Laudenschlager, Juta Guertsen and Andrew Black
This episode highlights how forming partnerships is vital in promoting economic development across the West. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she explores how rural communities are teaming up to share knowledge, resources, and create collaborative infrastructure. She’s joined by Megan Laudenschlager, Executive Director of Strengthen ND; Juta Guertsen, Community Development Director for the Idaho Commission on the Arts; and Andrew Black, Public Lands Field Director for the National Wildlife Federation. To listen, click the embedded player or visit Podbean. Out West is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Out West Episode 5: Diversifying the Rural Economy with David Martin, Kate La Tour, and Shelly Fausett
This episode explores how a variety of different business structures can provide stability to their respective communities. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she speaks with experts on small businesses, cooperatives, and remote work to learn how rural areas can use these models to strengthen their economies. Guests include David Martin, Director of the North Dakota Small Business Development Network; Kate La Tour, Government Relations Manager at the National Cooperative Business Association; and Shelly Fausett, the Center Director for SoloWorks. To listen, click the embedded player or visit Podbean. Out West is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Out West Episode 6: Healthcare Innovations in the West with Jorge Guzman, Andrew Black, and Krista Stadler
This episode explores how rural communities across the region are working to bolster healthcare access and overcome barriers to providing care. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she highlights how adequate physical and mental healthcare are integral parts of any successful community. Guests include Jorge Guzman, founder and Executive Director of Vive NW; Andrew Black, Public Lands Field Director for the National Wildlife Federation; and Krista Stadler, the Senior Director of Telehealth Services at St. Luke’s Health System. To listen, click the embedded player or visit Podbean. Out West is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Out West Episode 7: The Next Generation of Rural with Megan Laudenshlager, Ben Thomas, and Kevin Leier
Rural youth can help shape their communities for decades to come. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she highlights the importance of listening to young people during the economic development process. Guests include Megan Laudenshlager, Executive Director of Strengthen North Dakota; Ben Thomas, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps; and Kevin Leier, a teacher at Rugby High School in Pierce County, North Dakota. To listen, click the embedded player or visit Podbean. Out West is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Out West Episode 9: Reimagining the Rural West Special Report
In this episode, WGA Executive Director Jim Ogsbury speaks with Policy Advisor Lauren DeNinno, who has led WGA’s work on the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative, to address the origins of Gov. Doug Burgum’s policy effort and how it will inform Western Governors’ policy decisions moving forward. Ogsbury also talks with Troy Timmons, WGA’s Director of Federal Relations and Strategic Initiatives, who is leading WGA’s COVID-19 response, which includes a number of significant rural issues. To listen, click the embedded player or visit Podbean. Out West is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
