Rural America Deserves a Seat at the Table

When we talk about economic development in America, too often the focus turns to big cities, tech hubs, and urban innovation. But as someone who has visited all 67 counties of Alabama more than 25 times, I can tell you with certainty: rural communities are not an afterthought—they are the backbone of our nation.

I’ve spent my career focused on how to empower small towns and rural counties to not only survive, but thrive. And while some call for bigger government and more federal spending, I believe the most effective path to rural revitalization lies in the conservative principles we know to be true: fiscal responsibility, personal initiative, local control, and community-based solutions.

When smart policy is grounded in common sense and tailored to real-world needs, it becomes a powerful tool for transformation.

Local Control Leads to Better Results

One of the most important conservative principles is the idea that decisions are best made closest to the people they affect. That’s not just a philosophy—it’s a strategy that works, especially in rural communities.

When state and federal governments give local leaders the freedom to tailor programs to their own needs, we get smarter, faster results. Local governments know the geography, the people, the history, and the challenges that aren’t reflected in national spreadsheets.

I’ve seen this time and time again in Alabama. A rural county may not need a large-scale public transit initiative, but it does need better broadband access for telehealth and virtual schooling. Another community might not need a massive industrial park, but could flourish with support for its small business district and tourism economy. Local solutions work best when local voices lead.

Fiscal Responsibility Builds Long-Term Trust

Rural residents are some of the most fiscally conservative people you’ll ever meet. They understand what it means to budget, to stretch a dollar, and to make do. That’s why it’s so important that public leaders model those same values.

Throwing money at a problem doesn’t solve it—planning wisely does. Conservative economic policies that focus on balanced budgets, transparent spending, and performance-based investments create long-term stability for communities.

I’ve worked with towns where tight budgets forced leaders to prioritize, and they chose to invest in what mattered most: roads, public safety, vocational training, and small business support. And guess what? It worked. Because they spent wisely, not wildly. They built trust with residents by showing them exactly where each dollar went.

Empowering Entrepreneurs, Not Just Corporations

Another cornerstone of rural economic growth is entrepreneurship—and not just from national brands. I believe in empowering the people who already live in our communities to start, grow, and sustain businesses that reflect the values and needs of the area.

Conservative economic policy encourages free markets and reduced barriers to entry. That means simplifying local licensing processes, easing tax burdens for startups, and providing access to small business training and capital without unnecessary red tape.

In many of the small towns I work with, the most promising developments come not from outside corporations but from local families—opening restaurants, repair shops, farm stores, boutiques, or service businesses. They hire local, spend local, and keep profits in the community.

Policies that support them—through microgrants, mentorship programs, and fair regulation—are smart, conservative, and deeply impactful.

Infrastructure That Supports Freedom and Growth

If we want to encourage private enterprise and rural sustainability, we have to make sure the foundation is solid. Infrastructure is a conservative investment when done correctly—it supports freedom, mobility, and access.

In rural Alabama, that often means better roads and bridges, expanded broadband, modernized water systems, and reliable energy. These are not luxuries—they are prerequisites for small business growth, educational access, and public health.

Rather than building bloated, centralized systems, smart infrastructure spending should be nimble and targeted. I’ve supported projects where upgrading a single road opened up new housing and retail development—and where adding Wi-Fi downtown brought new energy to Main Street.

Let’s invest in what people actually need to thrive, not in what makes headlines.

Community First, Always

The conservative movement has always placed strong value on family, faith, and community. That’s not separate from economic development—it’s the foundation of it.

When families are stable, schools are supported, and churches are active in service, economic growth follows. Programs that align with these values—supporting childcare access, family-owned businesses, and volunteer-driven revitalization efforts—create healthier communities and better economies.

I’ve seen incredible things happen when towns come together to repaint storefronts, host festivals, or build memorials. Those efforts not only boost tourism and local pride—they send a message: “We believe in who we are.”

That’s what makes rural America so powerful. We don’t wait on help. We help each other. And when conservative policy reflects that spirit, it works.

Rural Renewal, The Conservative Way

I believe rural America doesn’t need to be rescued—it needs to be respected. And that respect shows up in policy that trusts local leaders, rewards personal initiative, and focuses on results over rhetoric.

The Alabama model I’ve worked hard to help shape shows that conservative economic principles—when combined with heart, strategy, and community engagement—can transform even the smallest towns.

Let’s stop treating rural areas like they’re behind the curve. Let’s recognize that they are the curve—where faith, freedom, and smart policy come together to create opportunity.

With the right tools, the right mindset, and the right leadership, rural communities can lead the way forward. And I’m proud to be part of that journey.