Assessing and Addressing the Challenges of Rural Local Governments

Abstract

This research assesses the challenges facing rural local governments, impediments to addressing them, and the extent to which rural local governments would benefit from additional revenues, management capacity, or partnerships. Using survey data from rural local governments in Wisconsin, findings indicate longstanding problems related to revenue limitations, management capacity, and service delivery remain, but there are also significant concerns about high-speed internet access, affordable housing, and substance abuse. Impediments to addressing challenges include financial limitations, reduced state support, and declining community involvement. Obtaining additional revenues and partnerships with other, nearby local governments were viewed as the most helpful methods to address community challenges. Overall, the results update and expand on existing research on the challenges facing rural local communities, and further highlight the need for additional research on this specific subset of local governments.