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
Highlighted County Outcomes
Supported by $50,000 grants from NACo, 10 RLEM counties created individualized Mobility Action Plans (MAPs) to advance locally-driven strategies that expanded economic mobility, strengthened workforce development and generated lasting community impact.
Audrain County, Mo. expanded youth entrepreneurship and workforce development efforts, supporting new business creation, increasing participation in Getting Ahead classes, strengthening engagement with local employers and creating new leadership development opportunities for residents.
Curry County, N.M. launched the Savvy Citizen community engagement platform and engaged approximately 2,000 residents, strengthening communication between county government and residents and advancing local economic mobility efforts.
Hertford County, N.C. developed a community reinvestment and workforce strategy that strengthened collaboration among municipalities, educational institutions and industry partners while advancing manufacturing attraction efforts and expanding workforce training opportunities.
Holmes County, Miss. advanced implementation of its industrial park development strategy, leveraged approximately $1.25 million in state funding, attracted new business interest and private investment, and positioned key sites for future job creation and economic growth.
Jim Wells County, Texas leveraged RLEM planning tools and data resources to advance redevelopment of a multi-story community facility, secure additional federal and local investment and strengthen the county's capacity to implement data-driven economic development initiatives.
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, Ga. advanced a broadband-focused economic mobility initiative by establishing partnerships with AmeriCorps, Rural LISC, internet service providers and local economic development organizations while developing plans for workforce training and digital infrastructure expansion in a historically underserved rural community.
Union County, Ore. developed shovel-ready plans for a community childcare center, convened local leaders to establish a nonprofit governing structure and strengthened partnerships with educational and healthcare institutions while advancing state and federal funding opportunities to address childcare needs.
Venango County, Pa. launched a county-led STEM workforce pilot that provided rural students with hands-on learning opportunities in robotics, artificial intelligence, drones, cybersecurity and career readiness while strengthening partnerships with universities, employers and workforce development organizations.
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. Register here before May 1. Details and agenda forthcoming.
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