MACDEP E-News

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Montana Association of Community Development Extension Professionals

June 2011

News Reports and Resources

Atlas of Rural and Small-Town America

USDA Economic Research Service | READ STORY
A new interactive tool on the ERS website allows users to learn about rural communities.

Connected Citizens: The Power, Peril, and Potential of Networks

Knight Foundation | READ STORY

A report on the effects of digital networks on communities.

CDC Asthma Report

Centers for Disease Control | READ STORY

A new report details the growth in asthma and describes risk factors.

Internet Freedom Scores

The Economist Online | READ STORY

A new report rates countries on the degree of government Internet regulation.

Housing Prices Fall, No Rise in Disposable Income for American Workers

The Economist Online | READ STORY

Low housing prices and no increase in disposable income for American workers lead the economic outlook; housing prices are compared with the S&P 500 below.

Welfare Reform Unsuccessful, Report Claims

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities | READ STORY

A new report suggests that TANF has not responded to unemployment rates and numbers of poor families.

Taxation and Income

The Economist Online | READ STORY

A new report compares tax burdens on employees and employers and earnings by country.

The Value of College

Pew Research Center | READ STORY

This report examines the value of college by examining factors such as earning payoff and debt; attitudes about the value of college are also examined.

Gas Prices and Politics

The Economist Online | READ STORY

Rising gas prices (see chart below) can generate political buzz and partisan proposals.

Churches Contribute to Local Economies

Operation Church | READ STORY

A recent report finds that churches contribute an average of $476,000 to local communities.

Decrease in Rural Incomes

Daily Yonder | READ STORY

The average per capita income in rural counties in 2009 was 79% of the national average, up slightly from 2000.

Unemployment Falls Further in March

Daily Yonder | READ STORY

Unemployment in rural counties continued to run at a higher rate than in either exurban or urban counties in March 2011. But rates everywhere are dropping.

Federal Program Overlooks Rural America

Daily Yonder | READ STORY

The Social Innovation Fund is a federal program aimed at encouraging community-based solutions for local problems. When the Fund gave out its grants, however, rural America was largely missing.

Wall Street and Food Prices

Daily Yonder | READ STORY

After Wall Street figured out a way to make investments in commodities look a lot like investments in stocks, food prices jumped. Is there a connection?

Rural America Transportation Bill

Daily Yonder | READ STORY

Any federal transportation policy needs to insure that rural communities have the same level of choice in pursuing multiple transportation goals and options as their urban counterparts.

Increased Inequality in Rural and Urban Areas

Daily Yonder | READ STORY

Income inequality is increasing between counties in both rural and urban America. Income gains in richer counties are outpacing gains in poorer places. Meanwhile, there is growing evidence that inequality has a number of ill effects on society.

We've given the MACDEP e-News a major facelift! This new design is a more organized way to present community development information and resources for MACDEP members and the hundreds of individuals who are receiving the e-News. If you have suggestions about how we can present and distribute this information more effectively, please contact us at . Your feedback is welcome and appreciated!

-Paul Lachapelle
MACDEP President

Helping Small Towns Succeed Institute

June 6-8, 2011

South Haven, MI

Building Strong Communities Webinar

June 9, 12 PM MST

Select the "login as guest option," previous webinars available here

2011 Community Capitals Institute

October 10-11, 2011

Des Moines, IA

Abstracts due August 15

US Harvest Awards
Deadline: July 20, 2011
Funder: Glynwood

Worldwide Grant Program
Deadline: July 1, 2011
Funder: Tourism Cares

Healthier US School Challenge Awards
Deadline: Varies
Funder: USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Technical Assistance for Rural and Tribal Communities
Deadline: Ongoing
Funder: Community Transportation Association

Spent Fuel Rods Pose Threat
Depleted fuel rods in US storage sites may pose a risk to the public.
Christian Science Monitor; May 25

Water and Energy in the West
A look at the water-energy nexus in Western states.
NewWest.com; May 23

Utah Embraces Gold and Silver Coins
Utah legislature approves the use of gold and silver for transactions.
Salt Lake Tribune; May 22

Senate Considers Per-Mile Vehicle Tax
Senate Finance committee considers a bill to tax drivers based on how many miles they drive.
Great Falls Tribune; May 16

Economists Suggest Selling Gold Reserves
Some economists are suggesting that the US should reduce debt by selling gold reserves.
Washington Post; May 15

Eliminating Oil Subsidies Could Save Billions
Eliminating subsidies for big oil companies could save $21B over 10 years.
Washington Post; May 10

April Marks Most Hires Since 2006
April marks the biggest monthly new job total in five years.
Denver Post; May 6

Developer Proposes Planned Community for Billionaires in Helena

A planned community proposed by a Helena developer includes an equestrian center and gold course.
Helena Independent Record; May 29

Montana-Based Company Signs $1.5B Expansion Deal

A Whitefish-based company signs an international expansion deal.
Flathead Beacon; May 19

Tribes Celebrate Legislative Victories

Two property tax bills were passed that benefit tribal members.
Char-Koosta News; May 19

Crop Planting Delayed by Weather

Wet ground has delayed spring planting for Montana farmers.
Billings Gazette; May 18

Wheat Leads Montana Exports

Wheat and manufactured exports increased 33 percent from 2009 to 2010.
Helena Independent Record; May 12

Local Food Distributor Opens

A Bozeman-area distributor helps local producers distribute their goods.
Billings Gazette; May 10

Missoula Buses Offer Free Wi-Fi

All Missoula buses now offer free Internet access.
Missoulian; May 5

EPA Releases Report on Libby Cleanup
The Environmental Protection Agency has released a report that indicates asbestos contamination remains after 10 years of clean-up operations.
Missoulian May 4

MSU Extension

MSU Extension Community Development | Wilson Hall 2-117 P.O. Box 172240 | Bozeman, MT 59717-2240
Tel: (406) 994-3620
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