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Application forms are typically the first step in government actions initiated by residents or businesses. Platting, zoning, vendors, and licenses are all examples of actions for which cities accept application forms. Yet many of these applications are archaic at best. Many applications are simply scans of forms created long ago using a typewriter. Eventually, the scans become scans of scans as the original copy gets used or lost. They become blurry and hard to read.

Additionally, they become static based on a moment in time from long ago. Often, they were once effective for the regulations in place at the time they were created, but are no longer effective for the regulations or processes you have in place today.

Make it Fillable

Your community can utilize a variety of software packages to develop the form. I’ve seen them drafted with word processing platforms, spreadsheets, or even publisher programs. But it isn’t the software that is important in creating the right application form, it is the final format that is key. Having a fillable PDF is a game-changer. By now, most of us have utilized a fillable PDF in one way or another. Many businesses have adopted fillable PDFs for a number of reasons:

• The use of fillable PDFs can eliminate the need for printing, manual filling, and scanning. This helps to reduce paper and printing costs.
• Users of fillable PDFs can type directly into forms, streamlining data collection and minimizing typos associated with manual entry.
• Fillable PDFs can also simplify application processing and review. Completed forms can be easily saved digitally and easily shared with other departments.
• Most fillable PDFs are intuitive to use and can be opened and filled out on most devices and platforms.

The top reason, in my eyes, is legibility. We’ve all struggled with processing application forms that are poorly filled out. We waste precious time attempting to decipher what is written, as handwriting varies greatly from one person to the next.

Reflect Your Brand

Creating a new form is an ideal time to incorporate your brand as well. Expressing your brand effectively is important, no matter the medium it is printed on. Too often, the brand is reduced to a sticker on the side of a truck. Include your brand on your application forms as well.

Checking All the Boxes

Another aspect that many application forms overlook is the use of checklists. This is especially true with older forms. Checklists are essential for ensuring that complete applications are submitted accurately and on time. Many forms provide lists of what is needed in paragraph form or direct users to the regulations for guidance on the required information. However, a list with checkboxes often yields better results, especially for those who need the checkboxes to provide a sense of organization.

Provided below are examples of checklists that may be used for various municipal forms. Check them out:

City of Edina, MN: Residential Addition

City of Yutan, NE: Commercial Industrial Building Permit Application

Roosevelt City, UT: Business License Application and Checklist

City of La Vista, NE: Design Review Application

Set Aside Time

One of the biggest reasons why applications are not updated is complacency. We are all strapped for time, so creating something new to replace something that currently gets you by is pushed down the priority list. Also, there often isn’t much in the way of feedback on forms, as many applicants use the form once a year or even once in their lifetime. Their frustration with the form is contained by their lack of future use.

However, city staff read (or attempt to read) submitted application forms on a regular basis. The task may feel daunting and time-consuming when contemplated. But you need to make time. It will save you time and frustration in the long term.

The post Better Application Forms appeared first on Rural Resurrection.

Things we love we want to protect, but everything changes. We can’t live by exclusion. We have a responsibility to the places we live and the power to make them better.

Ryan Short at CivicBrand is not a planner by training. He’s taken a roundabout journey. He started off doing branding and design work for a general audience. Ryan did have several friends who were architects, planners, engineers—people creating things that would be around in a hundred years. Place impacts people’s health and happiness—things which shape people’s lives. He recognized the power of what they were working on.

Ryan also recognized that he could add value from his experience in community engagement. Not replicating or replacing the typical planning process; but taking it further.

“We seem to lose sight of the people,” Ryan related in a phone conversation on a cold December day from his small town in the mountains of Colorado. In the fall of 2025, Ryan Short published a new book, titled The Civic Brand: The Power & Responsibility of Place.

In four parts, he discusses:

1. The Power of Place
2. Anatomy of a Brand
3. Public Engagement
4. Brand in Action

He writes, “I’m talking about place branding that, when done right, becomes the connective tissue that gives communities a common direction that guides every new policy, project, and decision so that they add up to something bigger.” Sounds like planning to me.

The Strong Towns connection

Charles Marohn, founder of Strong Towns, wrote a foreword from the book. As Ryan worked on more place-based branding, he got to reading the Strong Towns blog—why are cities built like they are? How do they work? After working on some community engagement projects together, Marohn and Short got to talking about how to do things better. “We both think there’s a better way.”

There are people coming at “place” from all different ways. Yet as Charles writes, “This book lays out a compelling argument: that what’s missing from so many of our communities is not funding or planning or even leadership; it’s a shared sense of identity.”

How do we do better at engagement?

I asked him about how we can be better at creating a culture of engagement. He replied, as consultants, we can work more like a trainer—we can jump start process, but the local community need to cultivate the culture.

Local planners can also take this approach, if they are brave. Train your Planning Commissioners and your governing body; reach out to other staff and community volunteers about what it is we all do.

In the middle of the book, Ryan discusses the idea of “the illusion of consensus.” He writes:

“Shifting our focus to consent rather than consensus, can be a simple but impactful way to ensure that people are heard, that concerns are addressed as best as possible, and that even those that may not fully agree—or may be on the losing side of a vote—can still see their voice considered in the ultimate decisions.”

We are constantly working at doing better. As Ryan suggests, it’s like therapy for an entire community. Like therapy, it’s difficult to tell when we’re done.

Be Honest About Where You Are

Self-confidence is huge. There’s a big gap between “we’ll take anything” to “exclusive resort town”. The planning process is really about finding better ways to Be Your Best Self. He writes, “Cities need to be honest about where they are.” As for “The Civic Brand,” branding also needs to be re-branded— it needs to be real as well.

We can also do better with our placemaking. Really, it is a form of engagement, a way of getting people to vote with their feet about a place. It’s also one of those things where we can try one thing, see how it works, then try something else. Incremental improvement in the civic brand.

“With small towns, things don’t have to be these big master plans.” Ryan said as we wrapped up our conversation. “A single coffee shop in a small town can change the identity and vibe… Too often we try to think too much.”

What would he suggest we do about it? “Like Chuck says, do the next small thing. Don’t underestimate small wins.”

Above all, remember to have fun. Sounds like a good idea to me.

The post Book Review: The Civic Brand by Ryan Short appeared first on Rural Resurrection.

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The survey is a collaborative initiative of SaveYour.Town and SmallBizSurvival.com and is conducted every other year. Although the survey started in the United States and Canada, it has received additional responses from countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand! Since 2015, more than 2,200 people have contributed their perspectives.

When the survey closes, rural development experts Becky McCray and Deb Brown (seriously, check out SaveYour.Town) analyze the survey findings and publish the results through reports, infographics, presentations, and articles on both websites.

Past Surveys

One of the biggest challenges facing rural leaders is separating assumptions from reality. Too often, decisions are based on anecdotes, outdated perceptions, or what someone believes is happening in small towns. The Survey of Rural Challenges, provides something far more valuable, a decade of insights gathered directly from the people who live, work, volunteer, and own businesses in rural communities.

If you’re serious about strengthening your community, the survey results from 2015 through 2025 deserve a place on your reading list. They reveal how some challenges, such as workforce shortages and downtown decline, have remained persistent through the years. While others issues, including housing, childcare, and support for small businesses, have emerged as pressing concerns over the past decade. The trends documented over ten years are compelling proof of the importance of listening to rural voices.

Take the Survey Now!

So what are you waiting for? Now is the time to provide valuable input:

Take the survey now!

The post Survey of Rural Challenges appeared first on Rural Resurrection.

Over the years, I have highlighted several different programs that are available through USDA Rural Development (check out the Tool Kit page for more). USDA-RD is an excellent resource for small towns, and now they’ve added yet another grant fund to help the smallest of communities.

This new program is labeled the SEARCH Grant. SEARCH is an acronym for Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households. It is a fund that provides funds to assist small towns with studies, design, and technical assistance on water and waste disposal projects. It is specifically targeted to communities with a population of 2,500 or fewer residents that are financially distressed.

How can SEARCH Grant funds be used?

SEARCH Grant funds can be used to pay predevelopment planning costs, including:

• Feasibility studies to support applications for funding water or waste disposal projects
• Preliminary design and engineering analysis
• Technical assistance for the development of an application for financial assistance

Get Started Now

First, check out USDA’s page on the SEARCH Grant program. As with any grant program, there are a number of requirements your project must meet and a number of different aspects about the program your community should know about before considering applying for funding.

Then reach out to your local USDA Rural Development office to talk about your potential project. Local USDA-RD representatives are the best resources to find your way through the funding process through USDA. If you don’t know where your local office is located, check out the State Offices page on their website. From there, you can drill down to your state office’s page and find the local office for your community.

Grants featured in Grant Spotlight posts are also on the Rural Resurrection Tool Kit page. For more grant opportunities, check out the Tool Kit page.

The post USDA SEARCH Grant appeared first on Rural Resurrection.

Many of the towns along the trail recognized the importance of this corridor as an economic engine for their community. Former train stations along the route have been transformed into welcome centers or local museums. Parks have been developed on the corridor to provide riders with a place to rest and take in the scenery. Businesses have also sprung up next to the trail to take advantage of the many trail users passing by.

A Ribbon through the Heart of Rural Missouri

The Katy Trail is a nearly 240-mile rails-to-trails that winds through central Missouri like a ribbon, providing recreational access and economic development across the state. The trail was built on the former rail corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (known as the “KATY”). The nickname originated from the railroad company’s abbreviation, “K-T”, which was based on the company’s initials and its stock exchange symbol. Over time, this abbreviation was spoken and written as “the Katy”.

The Katy Trail is the longest rails-to-trail in America, stretching from Clinton to Machens. It passes through farmland, alongside rivers, hugs the edges of limestone bluffs, and connects historic towns along the way. The scenery along the trail is beautiful, and it is an easy trail to ride. Due to the slope restrictions for railroads, the route is relatively flat, making it perfect for even novice bike riders.

Why It Matters to Rural Economic Development

As discussed in the earlier NC State Economic Data for Trail Grant Applications post, trails have been shown to have an economic impact on communities. But it goes far beyond direct purchases. The impact of the Katy Trail is widespread, touching local communities in a number of ways:

1. Visitors = New Dollars in Small Towns

• One of the earlier economic analyses of the trail computed that approximately $18.5 million per year (based on numbers from a 2012 study). This same analysis states that the Katy Trail supports 367 jobs, with a total payroll of $5.1 million. At the local level, the communities along the trail benefited from $8.2 million in visitor spending. 
• From an investment basis, the Missouri State Parks analysis calculated that for every dollar spent by Missouri State Parks to operate Katy Trail State Park, Missouri’s economy saw an $18 return. That’s quite a significant ratio. (Missouri State Parks, 2012)
• According to a study, about 400,000 people use the Katy Trail annually. They spend, on average, about $45 per person per day/night on trip-related expenses. They also spend about $56.82 per person on trail-related goods. (Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Foundation, 2015)
• More recent numbers suggest the impact has grown. It has since been estimated in 2022 that the statewide impact was $29.2 million. A growth of nearly $11 million in a decade. Numbers that are sure to increase through the years.

This means that the economic impact of the trail is viable. A cyclist stops in a historic depot town for lunch. A couple stays overnight at a B&B, rather than just passing through. Businesses along the trail have an audience that wouldn’t exist without the trail.

2. Birth of Trail-Oriented Businesses

The economic benefits aren’t just in existing businesses seeing upticks in traffic. Whole new ventures are emerging to serve the trail users.

• One example, Katy Bike Rental in Defiance, MO, has expanded significantly, thanks to the trail traffic. According to the Pathway to Prosperity report by Rails to Trails, from the time he bought the company in 2002 to 2015, owner Todd White witnessed a sixteenfold growth in sales.
• And long-term studies show that many businesses serving trail users have opened because of the trail.

For towns that once relied on railroads, manufacturing, or resource extraction, this new-economy niche helps rewrite their story.

3. Revitalizing Downtowns & Main Streets

When a trail brings people into a town, it can re-activate neglected spaces. Stoic train depots, historic downtowns, and riverfront lands that have gone quiet can start to draw attention once again. Many of the towns along the Katy Trail have witnessed this firsthand. Reinvestment is taking place at trailheads or along the trail corridors in the form of new infrastructure, signage, or other welcoming amenities.

As most downtowns originally developed along the railroad corridor, these same downtowns are witnessing a resurgence in activity. Profit margins, once mainly dependent on local patronage, are padded by visitors from the trail. Existing commerce has more stability, and new shops and restaurants are sprouting up along the trail’s path on a regular basis.

4. Connecting to Natural & Cultural Assets

The Katy Trail doesn’t just traverse farmland and small towns, it also follows the Missouri River, skirts historic landscapes, and links to wineries and heritage sites. This layering of recreation, community, and place gives trail users more reasons to stay longer, spend more, and tell others about it.

Communities need to recognize these assets and encourage their integration into the town’s overall offering to visitors.

5. Spreading the Benefits

Importantly, the trail’s economic benefit is not just for one or two towns. It stretches across dozens of rural communities. This means regional investment, jobs, and the sustaining of local economies in places that might otherwise struggle.

There’s potential for more communities to benefit as well. Regional trail connections to the Katy can result in more communities benefiting from the economic impact of the Katy.

What It Takes to Make the Trail Work for Rural Renewal

Just like any revitalization story, the Katy Trail’s success hasn’t been automatic. Here’s what many of the towns and stakeholders are doing (or need to do) to capture the benefits that can be derived from the trail:

• Good trail connectivity and amenities – invest in trailheads, signage, safe parking, and welcoming rest stops.
• Local business readiness – support and encourage trail-friendly lodging, food service, gear rental, and repair shops.
• Marketing and welcoming culture – making it easy for a rider to stop, stand, and spend.
• Heritage and place story – leveraging the historic railroad, river corridor, small-town charm.
• Partnerships and investment – public/private cooperation, infrastructure support from state/federal programs.

Future Potential

Communities across central Missouri are starting to understand the importance of connecting to the Katy Trail. Connections like the MKT Nature and Fitness trail in Columbia and the Monarch Levy Trail in Weldon Spring have been made as both trail and economic development advocates understand the potential impact of connecting to the Katy.

As more segments are completed, as connections improve (like the Rock Island Trail State Park), the potential for greater economic development grows. The key will be sustaining that momentum across all towns, not just the ones closest to the metro areas or the riverfront.

In Closing

The Katy Trail doesn’t just follow an old railroad line, it follows a path through resilient rural communities. Communities that have struggled through decline after the loss of the railroad now have renewed economic vibrancy. As I’ve said in the past, viable economic development cannot lean entirely on tourism for stable, sustainable growth. But some communities along the Katy have used it effectively to transform their community. They are thankful that the trail has “put them back on the map”.

The post The Katy Trail: An Economic Engine for Missouri appeared first on Rural Resurrection.

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Nestled along the Missouri River, Rocheport is proof that a community does not need thousands of residents to create a thriving visitor economy. With a population of just over 200 residents, this historic river town has become one of Missouri’s most recognizable rural destinations. Website after website in my research for this road trip lauds the town as a destination to check out. Rocheport attracts visitors from across the Midwest who come to experience small-town charm, award-winning wineries, and the scenic Katy Trail.

What makes Rocheport particularly noteworthy is that its success did not come from throwing around incentives or building expensive attractions. Instead, community leaders and entrepreneurs focused on the community’s existing assets, creating experiences that encourage people to stay longer and return again and again. The result is a model of rural economic development that, though it may not fit all communities, can be impactful for those who learn from it.

Rocheport’s Roots

Rocheport’s roots started to grow in the early nineteenth century. Lewis and Clark passed through the area in 1804, and the town was officially founded in 1825. Early on, it served as a trading post for settlers and Native Americans. Its location along the Missouri River helped the town prosper during the steamboat era. Later, its influence as a regional commercial center would continue to grow with the arrival of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (KATY).

As with many communities, Rocheport faced challenges over the years as transportation modes and routes changed, and many of the traditional industries in and around the town declined. Rather than disappearing, however, the town has worked to preserve its historic character and look for new ways to obtain economic sustainability. Many of the buildings in Rocheport date back to the 1800s, and the community’s historic district remains one of its greatest assets. Today, visitors are drawn not only to the scenery but also to the authentic sense of history that is visible throughout town.

How Bicycle Tourism Became an Economic Engine

The transformation of Rocheport accelerated with the development of the Kay Trail, the nation’s longest developed rail-trail. The trail follows the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad corridor, benefiting many towns like Rocheport along the way. With it, the community is in the path of thousands of cyclists, walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts each year. The trail has become one of the town’s most important assets, bringing significant visitor traffic to local businesses each year.

Rather than shunning the trail as simply a recreational amenity, Rocheport has intentionally positioned itself as a destination along the trail system. Lodging, restaurants, shops, bike services, and gathering spaces have emerged along or near the route to serve visitors. The community has embraced its identity as a trail town. Recent discussions surrounding the future connection of the Katy Trail and the Rock Island Trail have highlighted Rocheport as a leading example of how trail-based tourism can strengthen rural economies.

Bikes and Wine for the Win

While the Katy Trail brings visitors to Rocheport, the local wine industry gives many of them a reason to stay longer. Rocheport is home to notable wine destinations like the Les Bourgeois Vineyards and The Rocheport Winery. Both businesses have leveraged the area’s scenic bluff-top views, historic character, and trail access to create memorable visitor experiences.

Wine-based tourism works particularly well in rural communities because it combines agriculture, hospitality, entertainment, and local culture. Visitors often spend money not only at the wineries but also at restaurants, lodging, local shops, and nearby attractions. The town’s wineries have become gathering places for live music, celebrations, dining, and social events, attracting both tourists and local residents.

Importantly, Rocheport has not tried to compete with larger metropolitan entertainment districts. Instead, it offers authenticity, scenery, relaxation, and a distinctly rural experience.

Events That Keep Visitors Coming Back

Successful tourism destinations understand that visitors need reasons to return. Rocheport has embraced this principle by hosting events throughout the year that celebrate the community’s culture, wine, and outdoor recreation.

Among the most popular events is the Rocheport Stroll, which invites visitors to explore the community while sampling wine and beer from participating locations. The event encourages guests to walk throughout town, supporting multiple businesses rather than a single venue.

There are also events related to the Katy Trail, like the Pedaler’s Jamboree. Starting in Columbia, bikers ride the trail along the Missouri River to Boonville, coming back the next day. At every stop along the way, including Rocheport, bikers are treated to good food and great music. In its 17th year, the event draws riders from several states.

The community also benefits from winery events, live music performances, seasonal celebrations, and many other gatherings connected to the Katy Trail. Events matter because they create momentum. They generate media attention, attract first-time visitors, and provide opportunities for businesses to collaborate, as they understand that “a rising tide floats all boats”.

The Power of 10 in Rocheport

One month ago, I posted about the Power of 10 in Placemaking. It’s a relatively simple but powerful concept: every successful public space should have at least 10 reasons to be there.

So let’s apply it to Rocheport and see how the community fares:

• Scenery of the Missouri River and surrounding hills
• The Katy Trail
• Wineries
• A historically preserved downtown
• Art to see (Four art galleries and/or studios)
• A museum to visit (Friends of Rocheport Historic Museum)
• A park along the trail for riders to relax in (Welburn Park).
• Trail-related amenities (Trailhead, public restrooms, nearby seating, information kiosk)
• Unique places to stay (Seven bed and breakfasts/lodges)
• Services for your bike (Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop)
• Food to eat (At least three locations)
• Events for fun

There, we have a dozen reasons without trying that hard. This is a large part of why Rocheport is so successful at drawing visitors not once but multiple times to the community.

Plan For It, Lead the Way

This type of success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a good amount of planning and a great amount of effort. For example, the 1999 Rocheport Comprehensive Plan outlined a need for continued historic preservation, leading to a preservation ordinance and the creation of the Rocheport Historic Preservation Commission.

The people of Rocheport have also proven to be leaders in the field of destination tourism. They’ve hosted trail-focused summits and merchant gatherings that bring entrepreneurs and community leaders together to discuss the growing economic impact of Missouri’s trail network. These events reinforce Rocheport’s identity as both a tourism destination and as a leader in trail-based economic development.

What other Rural Communities can Learn from Rocheport

The most important lesson from Rocheport is that successful visitor-based economic development often begins with identifying and enhancing existing assets. We’ve seen this before with Augusta, Missouri, and Lindsborg, Kansas. Many communities possess natural resources, historic districts, scenic landscapes, or recreational amenities that are currently underutilized. Rather than searching for a single transformative project, leaders should focus on connecting those assets into a cohesive visitor experience.

Communities interested in replicating Rocheport’s success should start by asking themselves several questions. What makes our town unique? What experiences can visitors only have here? How can local businesses work together to create a destination rather than a collection of separate attractions?

Rocheport also demonstrates the importance of collaboration. Trails alone do not create economic development. Historic buildings alone do not create economic development. Although wineries can often stand on their own, they don’t tend to thrive without supporting attractions. Community-wide success occurs when entrepreneurs, civic leaders, business owners, and residents work together to build a cohesive ecosystem that encourages visitors to stop, stay, spend, and return.

For rural communities searching for a path forward, Rocheport offers an encouraging example. By preserving its heritage, embracing outdoor recreation, investing in wine tourism, and creating memorable events this small Missouri town has built a sustainable visitor economy that grows. It is also a reminder to recognize the value of what is already there.

The post Destination Towns: Rocheport appeared first on Rural Resurrection.

Once again, I’ll be driving for the Buff Riders on their journey from one side of the state to the other. As their devoted SAG (Support And Gear) driver, I’ll be driving the Buff Bus through towns across the state. If you’re attending this wild gathering of bike enthusiasts and see this bus, stop by!

Towns I Look Forward to Checking Out

This year’s ride starts in Onawa, home of the widest main street in Iowa (150 feet from storefront to storefront). It is also close to my parents’ hometowns of Whiting and Moorhead. I’ll also likely be hopping off the bus for this leg of the route as my brother-in-law plans to ride part of the way (we might have to convince him to go further).

One town that has been active on social media has been Manchester. They have a good-looking downtown and have been advertising the Manchester Whitewater Park along the Maquoketa River. Something reminiscent of the Charles City experience in 2022.

Another community that is intriguing to me is Farley. They recently constructed a new city hall building. But it is a multi-use structure that houses the government offices, as well as the library and the police station. For a town the size of Farley, this makes for an efficient use of facilities.

However, at the top of my list this year is Dyersville. While in town, I’ll be listening closely in case I hear, “If you build it, he will come.” Dyersville is the home to the set for Field of Dreams, one of the best baseball movies of all time. It’ll be interesting to see how the community has linked itself to this iconic baseball field in the middle of the corn.

Check Out Each Community Along the Way

Like in past years, I fully expect RAGBRAI ’26 to provide a treasure trove of potential content for the Rural Resurrection blog. I’ve started looking at towns along the way that might provide inspiration. But if you know of any unique aspects or stories about the following communities, let me know.

I’ve also included links to each Meeting Town’s and each Overnight Town’s Facebook page for the event below. Check them out. Every community approaches the annual event differently. Regardless of whether your community is in Iowa or another state, it is a good practice to see what each community does for such large events. You can also see how each community handles marketing. After checking out a few websites or Facebook pages, you can typically tell who does a good job and why.

Meeting Towns

Meeting towns are communities that usually provide a lunch stop. Well, except for those crazy riders who start at 4 am. They’re usually too small to hold riders overnight, but big enough to handle the influx for a few hours. It’s usually a nice mid-point for riders and their support crew to meet up.

Overnight Towns

Overnight towns are communities that host most of the riders for the evening. These communities are large enough to handle all the riders and are typically the county seat for their respective county.

Hopefully, I’ll have time to post to social media channels along the way. So be sure to subscribe and check Rural Resurrection’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts for short bits of content along the way.

The post RAGBRAI ’26 is Coming! appeared first on Rural Resurrection.