Browsing by Author "Seamands, Sydney"

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    How Can Declining Rural Communities in North Dakota Be Saved?
    (North Dakota State University, 2023) Seamands, Sydney
    Rural North Dakota has become somewhat of an abandoned land. There are dozens of small communities, with major service gaps and unsustainable populations. With the death of each rural town, the state loses pieces of its history, as unique cultures, and buildings decay alongside the highways. Witnessing these townships fall into despair, going unused with years of embodied energy wasted, has partly inspired this investigation. Why didn't these towns survive? Are all of North Dakota's small rural communities destined to meet the same fate? Exploring the possibility of reviving historically declining rural towns would not only breathe new life into the state, but also respond to modern challenges. This research aims to identify a program for successful rural revitalization in North Dakota. Socioeconomic policies and facility updates and additions will inform best practices for the prosperity of rural towns looking to attract residents, businesses, and opportunities.
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    How Can Declining Rural Communities in North Dakota Be Saved? A Critical Investigation
    (North Dakota State University, 2024) Seamands, Sydney
    Rural North Dakota has become somewhat of an abandoned land. There are dozens of small communities, with major service gaps and unsustainable populations. With the death of each rural town, the state loses pieces of its history, as unique cultures and buildings decay alongside the highways. The population decline in rural communities across the country can be attributed to a variety of factors, with perhaps the most imposing issue being a lack of opportunity. Small towns struggle to maintain vitality with limited educational, professional, and recreational opportunities. While small-town life offers many benefits, many residents leave for urban amenities. The primary scope of this project will focus on the reintroduction of these opportunities into a rural town as a strategy to retain and attract residents. Core subjects addressed include downtown development, community and cultural amenities, childcare services and facilities, single and multi-family housing, and educational opportunities and facilities.