What are the 5 pillars of rural community development?
- Creative Capital
- Workforce and Small Business
- Disaster Solutions
- Housing
- Broadband & Infrastructure
According to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC):
“In today’s world, technology makes up a significant part of our economy and social life. Although much of the country has reliable broadband infrastructure, many rural communities still lack access. Rural residents are less likely to have home broadband, own a smartphone, or have multiple internet-capable devices. Rural residents are also much more likely than urban residents to say that accessing high-speed internet connection is a “major problem” in their local community. Broadband access supports small business growth, improves individual quality of life, and drives economic innovation. Reliable rural digital connectivity is crucial for communities as the world embraces a digital landscape of work and opportunity.”
What will be the future role of Metro Asheville, WNC Counties, Councils of Governments (COGs), and the State of North Carolina to leverage rural community-based organizations (like WNC Broadband); to help identify challenges and opportunities to deliver the most appropriate support to meet local needs?
Answers will come in 2023!
“Broadband and Infrastructure | LISC Rural LISC.” 2021. Local Initiatives Support Corporation. 2021. https://www.lisc.org/rural/our-work/broadband-infrastructure/.