Mission:
To define a new future-oriented narrative for rural America that includes the development of public policies designed to encourage private investment in economic activities that yield better outcomes for rural people and places.

Background:
The Rural Futures Lab is a center within the Rural Policy Research Institute(RUPRI) at the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairsat the University of Missouri. Early partners in the initiative include the Community and Regional Development Instituteat Cornell University and the Research & Training Center on Disability in Rural Communitiesat the University of Montana. With a focus on the resources that make rural areas increasingly vital to the nation's and planet's well-being, the lab aims to foster dialogue around efforts to ensure that rural people are full partners in the stewardship and development of rural resources.

Outstanding Web Features:
Visitors to the site can read about critical economic drivers such as food, energy, natural resources, and ecosystem servicesthat will shape the future of rural America, as well as the need to develop both "hard" (transportation, health care, telecommunications) and "soft" (a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, regional resilience, youth engagement) infrastructure. Visitors to the site can also accesspolicy and research papers, case studies, and profiles of regional collaborations. In addition, a blogoffers different perspectives on rural development priorities, natural gas extraction and alternative energy sources, and disaster preparedness and recovery.