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Ghost towns might be cool and serve as a creepy backdrop in a movie based on a Stephen King novel, but in reality, they are an empty shell; a sad vigil left of an old forgotten community that couldn’t survive the change that came to the area.
If you’ve taken any time to road trip around the United States (or most countries for that matter), then you have no doubt driven through such a place. Maybe a store or gas station has a single flickering light, maybe there’s a boarded-up farmhouse on the outside of town or a barn that looks like it hasn’t changed a single board of wood on its frame in 100 years; whose grain silos are long empty, an old rusty tractor left forever in an overgrown field.
Ghost towns might be cool and serve as a creepy backdrop in a movie based on a Stephen King novel, but in reality, they are an empty shell; a sad vigil left of an old forgotten community that couldn’t survive the change that came to the area. If you’ve taken any time to road trip around the United States (or most countries for that matter), then you have no doubt driven through such a place. Maybe a store or gas station has a single flickering light, maybe there’s a boarded-up farmhouse on the outside of town or a barn that looks like it hasn’t changed a single board of wood on its frame in 100 years; whose grain silos are long empty, an old rusty tractor left forever in an overgrown field.
As more and more families and job seekers choose to relocate away from rural America in pursuit of opportunity, education, and jobs, the struggle is very real for small-town communities. But I believe the blueprint for survival lies in the heart of rural Oregon.
Oregon boasts breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, waterfalls, forests, and a wild glorious coastline, but it also exemplifies a commitment to preserving and stewarding the natural beauty that aligns with the global emphasis on sustainable practices. Oregon is at the forefront of a transformative journey, harnessing the potential of smart technology and data to redefine the future of farming. This progressive approach not only underscores the state's commitment to innovation but also opens up a realm of new opportunities for the next generation of farmers and agricultural innovators.
One key to rural Oregon's success is how deeply it embraces agricultural innovation, incorporating sustainable and regenerative farming and agriculture practices. This dedication to environmentally friendly agriculture serves as a beacon for other rural areas seeking to strike their own delicate balance between economic growth and ecological responsibility.
Oregon's identity is intricately woven with the sprawling forests that cover 50% of the state, and at the heart of this symbiotic relationship lies the timber industry. Renowned as an international leader in wood production manufacturing, the timber industry is more than just an economic force; it is a defining aspect of Oregon's character.
The decision to reinvent Portland’s International Airport, PDX, adorning it with a billion-dollar timber roof, goes beyond functional design; it is a symbolic gesture, a manifestation of Oregon's identity as a place that embraces the natural world. This bold move showcases not only the state's engineering prowess but also its desire to harmonize progress with its deep-rooted connection to the forests.
Oregon wants to invest in its citizens, and its citizens have no shortage of ideas, moxie, and collective determination to turn their aspirations into something tangible that works toward the betterment of a shared future. Community leaders are working in collaboration with businesses, government agencies, and local organizations, and this partnership adds to the state's resilience and vitality.
At Straw to Gold, we are committed to development and investment in Oregon and are proud contributors to many community-driven success stories. (Just check out our website for details on that.) We are champions of change and community in the PNW and love to support local businesses, startups, school programs, new developments, and any forward-thinking organization with the vision and passion to propel our shared goals into a reality.
It takes a comprehensive and collaborative approach to rejuvenate a community and a local economy. You have to put emphasis on education and skill development for youth and young adults and make sure there are sustainable jobs and opportunities. You must think about environmental stewardship, and how the programs you support and invest in will enhance the quality of life for your citizens.
This holistic approach is something that can work anywhere, not just in rural Oregon. It's time for rural America to embrace innovation, celebrate its unique strengths, and chart a course toward a vibrant and prosperous future.
Rural Oregon demonstrates that with innovation, sustainable practices, and community collaboration, even the smallest towns can reinvent themselves, offering a hopeful blueprint for revitalizing rural America
By embracing innovation, sustainability, and community collaboration, we can help rural America thrive once again, just as Oregon is showing us — a model for revitalizing communities and creating prosperous futures for all.
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