Headwaters economics

Headwaters Economics: Mapping Rural Capacity for Infrastructure and Climate Support

Headwaters Economics is a non-profit research organization that focuses on the economic development of rural communities in the United States. The organization was founded in 2006 by Ray Rasker, an economist who has spent his career studying the relationship between natural resources and economic growth.

One of Headwaters Economics' most recent projects is the Rural Capacity Map, which helps identify communities where investments in staffing and expertise are needed to support infrastructure and climate. This map is a valuable tool for policymakers, community leaders, and investors who want to make informed decisions about where to allocate resources.

The Rural Capacity Map uses data from a variety of sources to create a comprehensive picture of each community's capacity to support infrastructure and climate initiatives. The map includes information on population density, education levels, income levels, employment rates, access to healthcare services, transportation infrastructure, energy infrastructure, water resources, land use patterns, and more.

By analyzing this data at a granular level across thousands of rural communities in the United States, Headwaters Economics has identified areas where there are significant gaps in capacity. These areas may lack skilled workers or have inadequate infrastructure to support new businesses or renewable energy projects. They may also be vulnerable to climate-related risks such as flooding or drought.

The Rural Capacity Map can help policymakers target investments more effectively by identifying these areas of need. For example:

- A state government might use the map to prioritize funding for workforce development programs in regions with high unemployment rates.

- A private investor might use the map to identify promising locations for renewable energy projects based on factors like solar exposure and existing transmission lines.

- A philanthropic foundation might use the map to target grants toward organizations working on environmental justice issues in underserved communities.

In addition to its work on rural economic development issues like infrastructure and climate resilience planning , Headwaters Economics conducts research on topics like public lands management , outdoor recreation, and the economic impacts of natural resource extraction. The organization's research is widely cited by policymakers, journalists, and academics.

Headwaters Economics is committed to using data-driven analysis to inform policy decisions that promote sustainable economic growth in rural communities. The Rural Capacity Map is just one example of the organization's innovative approach to tackling complex challenges facing rural America.