Great opportunities are on the horizon

Last week I was able to attend the annual Rural Policy Forum hosted by Local First Arizona in Clarkdale and Cottonwood, providing a great opportunity to learn what rural communities throughout the state, including reservations, are doing to create thriving communities. You were well represented at the forum with elected officials and leaders from Winslow, Holbrook, Joseph City and Navajo County on hand to provide valuable input and bring home opportunity. It was also great to have Governor Katie Hobbs address those in attendance, lending her support for the advancement of our rural communities.

We all love living rural but we also know that by doing so we may be sacrificing the education, advancement and opportunity that is available in more metropolitan areas. Those times are changing. Programs are being developed and some already implemented to address many of the challenges we face (think broadband, workforce development and food security). But keep in mind that even the best opportunities and programming are ineffective if we don’t participate and take advantage of services being offered. None of our communities can afford to remain static and with all the prospects heading our way, it can ensure that not only we but also our children can continue to grow where they have their roots and prosper doing so.