Rural Places, Rural Spaces

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell headlined HOPE’s Rural Places, Rural Spaces Forum at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) in Itta Bena, Mississippi. In keynote remarks, the Chairman referenced the disparities in economic growth often felt between urban and rural areas. “Today, data at the national level show a strong economy. Unemployment is near a half-century low, and economic output is growing at a solid pace” said Powell.  “But we know that prosperity has not been felt as much in some areas, including many rural places.”  His keynote remarks highlighted a day of presentations by experts from across the county, making the case for increased investment in persistent poverty areas, and underscoring the vital role of Community Development Financial Institutions in addressing economic disparities.