Rural data centers in the US are key in the global race for artificial intelligence, driven by federal and state policies. Rural communities can benefit without losing their identity, although there is concern about investment in infrastructure to support large tech companies.
On the Reimagining Rural podcast, Tony Pipa and Benji Backer discuss how to overcome partisan divisions to protect the environment and address climate change. Backer, from rural Wisconsin, emphasizes the importance of building inclusive and pragmatic environmental movements, such as the model in Morris, Minnesota, which prioritizes local collaboration.
In January 2025, a report compared the effectiveness of ARC, DRA, and NBRC in distributing infrastructure investments in rural areas. These commissions prioritize investments in troubled rural areas, effectively allocating most of their modest funds to these zones.
The Rural Recovery Center is assisting with Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, focusing on rural communities such as Canton and Old Fort. It collaborates with FEMA to maximize funds and accelerate the recovery of the $60 billion in damages and 108 lives lost. The priority is the reconstruction of infrastructure, housing, and economic support, with a process expected to take several years.
