The decline of local economies is one of the most pressing issues facing small and medium sized cities (population less than 50,000) in rural areas of the United States.
There are a number of reasons for this decline:
- Industrial decline due to the relocation or closing of industries
- Lack of economic diversification
- Technology shifts
- Inadequate or degraded infrastructure
- Population stagnation or decline
- Undertrained or under educated work force
- Reactive rather that proactive approaches by state and local government
- Lack of economic planning and land usage on the part of local government
PFTH is active in working in partnership with leadership in politics, government, education, and business to address the economic concerns facing small and medium sized rural towns and cities and advocating for change that will better the economic, social, and cultural quality of life because of economic revitalization.