The faces of historically homogenous, multi-generational rural American communities are changing. Many towns and counties have become more ethnically and racially diverse over the past few decades, while the percentage of aging residents in rural America is rising faster than the national average. Meanwhile, economic conditions are also shifting quickly for rural America. The fortunes of traditional farming, mining and manufacturing communities are rising or falling with the global marketplace, while many towns with natural amenities and “urban fringe” communities are feeling the effects of booming growth.
As the social and economic realities of a community changes, so does its need for transportation options. Competing in a worldwide economy, for example, requires access not only to physical networks that move people and goods, but also to cyberspace. Rising percentages of demographic groups such as older adults and immigrant families who cannot or choose not to drive cars create rising demands for transit, bicycling, and walking facilities.
CSS strategies can help rural communities expand the range of transportation choices for all types of residents such as barrier-free pedestrian and bicycle facilities, transit services, and street networks that allow safe, efficient access for small motor vehicles such as golf carts and scooters. In addition, CSS approaches to planning can help communities design efficient, attractive land development projects, such as senior housing and health care facilities that are strategically located with easy access to walkable streets and transit services.
