UM Extension has a Plan to Help Struggling Rural Towns

(Jackson) Rural towns face a difficult situation with declining economies and population loss. Richard Proffer, the Community Economic Development Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, believes he has a way to help. He meets with communities and tries to begin fixing the problem.

The approach starts with realizing their is a problem and finding out what the residents bring to the community. The community uses their skills and commodities to improve the place they live.

Proffer believes that people who have lived in a certain place for so long have grown blind to the issues facing their communities.

For more information on the strategy or questions for Richard Proffer call 573-243-3581.

Full interview with Richard Proffer.