The webinar featured officials from rural communities in the West sharing their strategies for mitigating the economic impacts of COVID-19. Participants highlighted challenges that businesses and individuals in their communities are facing, what assistance will be needed to stabilize their economies, and how they will move from immediate response to long-term recovery. Panelists included:

• Kate Guibert, Rural Prosperity Manager, Colorado Resiliency Office
• Bob Parker, Executive Director, Institute for Policy Research & Engagement at the University of Oregon (slides)
• Eric Holdeman, Director, Center for Regional Disaster Resilience, Pacific Northwest Economic Region (slides)
• Jessica Metta, Executive Director, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District

The webinar was part of a series in conjunction with the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative of WGA Chair and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. The Chairman’s Initiative is examining challenges and opportunities in rural economic development, infrastructure and quality of life across the region.

WATCH: COVID-19 Economic Impacts and Mitigation in Rural Communities Part I 

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