Heirs' property, land passed through generations without a clear title, is an unstable form of landownership that can lead to lost capital and wealth.

Rural black Fifth District communities have long suffered fewer economic opportunities and thus worse economic outcomes.

This article provides some history on the evolution of the Fifth District population across race and the rural-urban continuum since the late 1800s.

The Richmond Fed hosted the virtual Investing in Rural America Conference in October to explore opportunities for innovation in rural parts of the Fifth District.

How did rural and urban counties compare on measures of health outcomes and drivers prior to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Research indicates that one promising strategy for rural development is maintaining and improving the quality of an area's public schools.

The Danville region in Virginia has moved the needle on early childhood education and now has an ecosystem in place to help address future challenges.

Focusing on a complete household’s needs, Garrett County Community Action Committee’s integrated “2Gen approach” links children to high-quality early education and their parents to services that build financial security.

Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) like Woodlands Community Lenders are uniquely positioned to help rural towns address unique challenges through place-based revitalization and by attracting investment.

Vance-Granville Community College’s early college high schools and workforce programs are improving education and job opportunities for area residents.

Choptank Electric Cooperative on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is an example of how many electric cooperatives are providing broadband service in rural communities.

In our new Rural Spotlight series, we explore solutions to the economic challenges faced by rural communities in the Fifth District.

Daniel Paul Davis and Andrew Dumont discuss an approach to economic development in rural communities that is detailed in a book they have edited, "Investing in Rural Prosperity."

Angela Wells, executive director of Smart Beginnings Danville Pittsylvania, discusses how her Southside Virginia organization supports parents, schools and early child care providers in preparing children for success in school and in life.

Deborah Markley discusses how community foundations support capacity building and development to improve the well being of rural communities.