As the percentage of manufacturing and agricultural jobs in rural America continue to decline, many rural communities, including many in Wisconsin, have been able to reverse negative economic trends by strengthening community assets and locally owned small businesses in downtown commercial corridors.

The COVID-19 pandemic put the brakes on much of that progress. Through programs like the Main Street Bounceback Grants and the efforts of the Office of Rural Prosperity, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is working hard to get that progress back on track.

While vibrant downtowns and commercial corridors are critical to the economic well-being of all our communities, they are especially critical in Wisconsin’s rural areas. Why?...