The population of rural America has changed significantly over the past 40 years, which is commonly referred to as the rural rebound. Nationally, the rural population has increased by 11% since 1970. Meeker County's population increased by 656 people (+2.9%) in the last decade. This recent growth is part of a long-term trend. Over the last 50 years, Meeker County has welcomed 4,413 people (+23.4%).
When considering that 40% of all people move to a new home in any five year span. The newcomers aged 30-49 that are moving into our small towns, impacts both our core social and economic structures. Overall, the implications of these changes are positive ones for all of our small towns and rural communities.
The presenter, Ben Winchester, of the University of Minnesota Extension office, has worked in and for small towns across the Midwest for nearly 20 years – with a focus on his home state of Minnesota. He is trained as a Rural Sociologist and works as a Research Fellow for the University of Minnesota Extension, Center for Community Vitality. He conducts research on two topics that are vital to rural Minnesota. The first is documenting “newcomers” – the influx of 30-49 year old people – to identify the social and economic opportunities of this migration. The second area involves the analysis of rural community leadership, specifically examining the community-wide requirements to “keep the town running” through the public sector.
Date and Time
Tuesday Jun 17, 2014
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Location
Meeker Cooperative Light & Power
1725 East Highway 12
Litchfield MN
Fees/Admission
There is no fee to attend, however, registration is requested for planning.
Contact Information
Dee Schutte 320.693.8184
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