Reports & Publications

The Center for Rural Affairs is committed to continuing our work for opportunity and justice for everyone in rural America during the rapidly evolving response to the coronavirus. COVID-19 and the ripple effects will create new challenges for rural people and rural places. Our work may look different in the days ahead, but we will continue to serve our mission in all ways possible.

Solar energy installations are more common today than ever before. The industry continues to see steady growth nationwide. Despite considerable potential, South Dakota has been slower to adopt this technology. Nationally, the solar industry grew by 23.5 percent between 2019 and 2020. In South Dakota...

Cody Smith, policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs, hosts this webinar on best management practices for implementing native vegetation on solar project sites in the region with Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy. “Solar energy is growing at a rapid...

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed into law on March 27, 2020, to support small businesses economically impacted by COVID-19. Note: The Small Business Administration will resume accepting PPP loan applications on...

El Programa de Protección de Pagos (PPP) es parte de La Ley de Ayuda y Seguridad Económica de Coronavirus (CARES) que fue firmado en ley el 27 de marzo del 2020, para apoyar empresas pequeñas impactadas económicamente por el COVID-19.

Changes and updates have been occurring on a daily basis as we try to cope through this COVID-19 epidemic. Our small business owners are struggling in Nebraska and nationwide. In addressing questions and concerns, there is some confusion between the Payroll Protection Program and Economic Injury...

Solar energy installations are more common today than ever before. The industry continues to see steady growth nationwide. Across Iowa, there is considerable potential for residential, community, and utility-scale solar projects. Nationally, the solar industry grew by 15.6 percent between October...

At the Center for Rural Affairs, we are happy to work with constituents like Max Wilson, who is featured on our front page. My colleague, Kate Hansen, first spoke with Max about his experience with the Conservation Stewardship Program. She told me she was so energized by his answer that he was on the top of her list to follow-up with so we can learn more.

The Small Business Needs Assessment was first done by the Center for Rural Affairs in 2008. The survey has been completed every other year since. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the needs of small businesses in Nebraska as reported by small business owners and those who serve small...

The Small Business Needs Assessment was first done by the Center for Rural Affairs in 2008. The survey has been completed every other year since. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the needs of small businesses in Nebraska as reported by small business owners and those who serve small...

The Small Business Needs Assessment was first done by the Center for Rural Affairs in 2008. The survey has been completed every other year since. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the needs of small businesses in Nebraska as reported by small business owners and those who serve small...

The Small Business Needs Assessment was first done by the Center for Rural Affairs in 2008. The survey has been completed every other year since. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the needs of small businesses in Nebraska as reported by small business owners and those who serve small...

The Small Business Needs Assessment was first done by the Center for Rural Affairs in 2008. The survey has been completed every other year since. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the needs of small businesses in Nebraska as reported by small business owners and those who serve small...

The Small Business Needs Assessment was first done by the Center for Rural Affairs in 2008. The survey has been completed every other year since. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the needs of small businesses in Nebraska as reported by small business owners and those who serve small...

The Iowa Environmental Council and Center for Rural Affairs have released a best practices guide for counties developing utility-scale solar siting ordinances, Iowa Solar Siting Resource Guide: Best Practices for Counties. In addition to outlining the best practices of a good solar ordinance...

Jen and Meredith Hinson own Clara's Garden and live in Mediapolis, Iowa. Jen and Meredith Hinson, mother-daughter business owners, implement various sustainable practices, from sourcing their florals to how they dispose of remnants and used products. Their flower shop, Clara’s Garden, is focused on...

Mark and Connie Tjelmeland live in McCallsburg, Iowa. Over the years, Mark and Connie Tjelmeland have prioritized our natural resources and climate through various conservation practices on their farm near McCallsburg, Iowa. Operation Practices extended rotation. Established 5 acres of pollinator...

The state of Nebraska is looking at a cost of nearly $487 million attributable to its 2017 childhood obesity rate for future health care costs and diminished productivity. Without seriously addressing the obesity rate and accompanying costs, this amount is likely to increase annually and compound upon itself.

At the Center for Rural Affairs, all of our work ties into our set of values. One value in particular, “Genuine OPPORTUNITY for all to earn a living, raise a family, and prosper in a rural place” strikes a chord.

"Construyendo la resiliencia climática" es una serie de cuatro hojas informativas que se enfocan en la construcción de la resiliencia rural frente al cambio climático. Estos son parte del proyecto climático del Centro de Asuntos Rurales que se enfoca en elevar las historias de los líderes climáticos...