Rural communities often face persistent challenges related to infrastructure, public services, and labor markets that limit long-term economic opportunity and quality of life

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded the University of Wyoming $169,341.36 on September 1, 2026, under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program to examine the rural foundational economy—the everyday services and infrastructure including health care, education, transportation, utilities, food access, and banking that support rural communities.

The project uses a mixed-methods approach combining analysis of public data, policy documents, interviews with policymakers and community leaders, and comparative case studies across rural regions. It will measure the strength of the foundational economy, assess public perceptions of local economic conditions and foundational services, and examine how regional policy influences community development and economic resilience. By comparing communities with different regional governance arrangements, the project identifies strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improving regional policy to strengthen the foundational economy and improve economic opportunity and quality of life in rural America. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and practitioner-focused resources to support policymakers, regional organizations, and rural communities.

Work is performed in Laramie, Wyoming, with a completion date of September 14, 2026.

This project examines the health of the rural foundational economy – the everyday services and infrastructure that support communities, such as health care, education, transportation, utilities, food access, and banking – and evaluates how well existing regional policy and governance institutions are positioned to strengthen these essential systems. The project uses a mixed-methods approach that combines analysis of public data, policy documents, interviews with policymakers and community leaders, and comparative case studies in rural regions. IT will measure the strength of the foundational economy, assess public perceptions of local economic conditions and foundational services, and examine how regional policy influences community development and economic resilience. By comparing communities with different regional governance arrangements, the project will identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improving regional policy. The findings will provide an evidence base for practical policy recommendations that help strengthen the foundational economy and improve economic opportunity and quality of life in rural america. Results will be shared through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and practitioner-focused resources to support policymakers, regional organizations, and rural communities.