Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility
Rural counties face unique challenges that can limit economic opportunity, including population decline, limited housing options, gaps in broadband connectivity, workforce shortages and constrained local resources. Counties play a critical role in addressing these barriers; we are on the front lines of delivering workforce, housing and infrastructure solutions that determine whether residents can access opportunity and thrive.
NACo’s Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility (RLEM) program is a 22-month, 10-county peer-learning cohort designed to empower rural leaders in advancing equitable economic mobility. This initiative convenes local changemakers to explore and implement strategies that drive rural prosperity, with a focus on key areas such as housing and land use, broadband access and infrastructure, workforce development and childcare. Through tailored technical assistance, participants receive support in developing actionable policy and program plans that expand economic opportunities for families and individuals across rural communities. In 2026, RLEM participants will present their economic Mobility Action Plans, sharing challenges, opportunities and lessons learned as they worked to expand economic outcomes in their respective communities.
What Participants are Saying
A defining strength of this cohort is the opportunity for leaders to learn directly from peers facing similar challenges, exchanging practical solutions and troubleshooting in a collaborative environment. Peer Exchange visits serve as a cornerstone of this experience, enabling participants to visit one another’s counties, gain firsthand insight into shared challenges and witness innovative approaches in action. By grounding learning in real-world contexts, this initiative ensures that policies and programs are responsive to the unique needs of each rural area.
Venango County, Pa.
Audrain County, Mo.
Learn more about past peer exchanges
Highlights of RLEM Subgrants
The 10 RLEM counties received $50,000 each from NACo to advance local economic mobility, strengthen workforce development and build long-term community resilience through targeted, outcomes-driven initiatives.
Audrain County will expand its Workplace Resource Advocate Program and financial literacy classes into rural areas to improve job retention, connect workers with essential services and strengthen financial stability. The county will also launch a Supervised Agricultural Experience grant program to help students gain hands-on business and leadership skills through FFA projects. Together, these efforts aim to build a stronger, more resilient local workforce and promote long-term economic mobility.
Curry County will implement a countywide communication platform to better connect residents with employment, health and county services updates to build awareness and increase participation of residents living in remote areas and underserved communities. The county will also strengthen staff training and data systems to ensure inclusive participation and informed, evidence-based planning. These efforts will enhance transparency, community engagement and long-term economic opportunity.
Hertford County will develop a countywide workforce strategy that aligns training programs with local job growth in manufacturing, health care and skilled trades. Guided by community listening sessions and labor analysis, the plan will remove barriers such as transportation and access to education. The outcome will be a sustainable, inclusive talent pipeline that connects residents to meaningful careers.
Holmes County will create a feasibility and development plan to upgrade key infrastructure within its 300-acre, county-owned industrial park, which will position the community to attract new employers and investments. The county will engage development experts and local stakeholders to guide long-term land use and sustainability strategies. This groundwork will catalyze job creation and regional economic growth.
Jim Wells County will establish the Nexus Center for Innovation and Growth to serve as a regional hub supporting small business development and workforce readiness. The center will offer training and small business office space to empower local entrepreneurs and revitalize the economy. Community outreach will make the center a hub for inclusive growth.
Presidio County will launch a railroad industry workforce training program to prepare residents for new jobs created through the reopening of the Presidio-Ojinaga international rail bridge. A project manager and Rail Workforce Task Force will lead employer partnerships, pilot training cohorts and community engagement. The initiative will create sustainable pathways to high-wage employment for local workers.
San Juan County will lead an inclusive planning process to address barriers in housing, education, behavioral health and workforce access, with a focus on Native Nations and underserved families. Cross-sector engagement and culturally responsive facilitation will ensure community input shapes equitable solutions. The county aims to co-design with state, federal and tribal partners long-term strategies that strengthen economic mobility.
Telfair County will pilot free public Wi-Fi kiosks in key community locations to expand access to education, telehealth and job resources. The county will collect data and engage residents to guide future broadband expansion and digital equity planning. These efforts will help close the digital divide and improve connectivity across all five municipalities county-wide.
Union County has partnered with the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments AmeriCorps program to expand staff capacity and lay the foundation for childcare planning, outreach and grant coordination. Consultant-led engagement will support community input and long-term sustainability strategies to assess childcare needs, economic impacts and opportunities for increasing supply. This work will increase childcare availability and strengthen support for working families.
Venango County will pilot a six-month workforce training program in robotics, automation and drones to prepare residents for high-demand STEM and manufacturing careers. In partnership with local employers, colleges and educators, the county will align training with industry needs and provide supportive services, such as transportation support and stipends. The program will build a data-informed model for future workforce development and regional innovation.
Other Counties for Economic Mobility Programs and Resources
RLEM is part of Counties for Economic Mobility (C4EM), a NACo initiative for county leaders to advance equitable upward economic mobility to move individuals and families out of poverty. C4EM supports a range of activities to drive data-driven and community-informed policymaking in county government.
Counties For Economic Mobility Leadership Advisory Council
The Counties For Economic Mobility Leadership Advisory Council guides NACo’s economic mobility initiative to ensure resources and activities meet the needs of all county leaders from across the country.
Counties for Housing Solutions
NACo’s Counties for Housing Solutions program offers free three-month technical assistance sprints to address this challenge by helping counties increase local housing supply.
County Levers to Drive Economic Mobility: Local Solutions and Strategies
This report focuses on the underlying elements of economic mobility and identifies how county leaders can use local power and authority to leverage county policy, planning and service delivery as levers to foster upward mobility for residents.
Economic Mobility Resource Hub
Explore these resources to promote inclusive economic prosperity for county residents.
Upcoming Events
NACo is hosting Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility Capstone Presentations on May 27, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Sign up here to receive more information.
Counties and Railroads: Shared Priorities for the Next Surface Transportation Bill
County leaders from across the country have a vital opportunity to ensure their infrastructure priorities are front and center.
House reintroduces bipartisan legislation to level playing field for rural communities
House reintroduced the Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act, bipartisan legislation intended to advance economic development in rural counties and overcome barriers to obtaining federal funding and resources.
Podcast: Eastern Tennessee counties invest in tourism during shutdown
Sevier County, Tenn. refused to let the government shutdown devastate its fall tourism draw—Great Smoky Mountains National Park. County Mayor Larry Waters describes the lengths he and his neighbors went to keep the park open. And NACo Chief Government Affairs Officer Mark Ritacco offers an outlook on what counties can take away from the shutdown and into the future.
Congress introduces Bipartisan HOME Reform Act
On October 21, 2025, Reps. Mike Flood (R-NE.) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO.) introduced the HOME Reform Act, which would make substantial changes to the eligible uses and exemptions applying to the Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program.
Bridging the digital divide in Telfair County, Ga.
In rural Georgia, Telfair County is taking meaningful steps toward expanding broadband access as a strategic lever for economic mobility.
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