HONORING THE PAST, PROGRESSING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
US RURAL CHAMBER & Alliance For Rural Economic Development /ARED
Advocating For Civics Education & Preservation
of America‘s Agricultural & Rural Heritage
PRESERVING AMERICAS COUNTRY IDENTITY IS A PATRIOTIC ACT
UNINCORPORATED Areas Need Zoning Reforms to Protect Independence and Identity
Modern cookie-cutter subdivision development follows a path-of-least-resistance model that sacrifices a community’s rural identity, farmland, and established agricultural ecosystems. This approach weakens local economies, erases heritage, and replaces sustainable livelihoods with short-term gains.
When agricultural assets are ignored, regions lose the ability to build business and educational opportunities tied to local food, craftsmanship, and innovation — opportunities that can create long-term prosperity where people can truly live in place.
So-called “developer economies” trade generational opportunity for fast-food convenience stores and big-box retail corridors. This loss of independence erodes the very foundation on which America was built — the spirit of local enterprise and self-reliance.
The U.S. Rural Chamber / Alliance for Rural Economic Development (ARED) believes that new infrastructure on historically rural farmland must be guided by agricultural principles and conservation values. Citizens in unincorporated areas — along with leaders in agriculture — deserve a greater voice in policymaking to ensure that development honors both the land and the people who sustain it.
America’s democracy and independence cannot thrive without creating pathways for younger generations to live in sustainable, locally rooted communities. By advancing rural economic development blueprints that protect natural and historic resources, we can strengthen communities, prepare for growth responsibly, and remain resilient in a changing climate.
COMBINING AGRICULTURAL HISTORY WITH MODERN DEVELOPMENT
The U.S. Rural Chamber / Alliance for Rural Economic Development (ARED) represents a new way of thinking about economic growth — one that begins with agricultural principles, historic preservation, and environmental protection as the foundation for sustainable progress in unincorporated rural communities.
Our approach views rural farmland as a living ecosystem essential to building vibrant “stay-in-place” communities. By anchoring development in agricultural values, we strengthen local independence, resilience, and prosperity, creating economies that grow while preserving rural character and heritage for future generations.
Guided by the belief that “you can’t make new land,” we advocate for responsible infrastructure and planning that align with community needs — fostering humane, innovative, and self-reliant pathways rooted in agricultural history and civic education.
Our mission is to preserve the guardrails of knowledge and values that have sustained America since its founding — inspiring a new generation of citizens, innovators, and leaders grounded in stewardship, civics, and shared prosperity.
RECOGNIZING HISTORIC ASSETS- THE BADGER SCHOOL IN TOWNSHIP OF COTTAGE GROVE, WI
Built in 1898 the one room BADGER SCHOOL was the home of the In Living Word Church for 22 years, Now it is being revitalized to be a local rural history museum and office for preservation and civics advocacy. We welcome visitors to come see the school house, and step back in time to see a glimpse into the agricultural history of Rural Dane County, WI and the Township of COTTAGE GROVE. Currently visits are by appointment only. We encourage schools, teachers, and other educators to visit. Call 615 491 3668 for info
ALLIANCE FOR RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (ARED)
Advocating for Civics Education & Preservation of Americas Agricultural & Rural Heritage
RURAL AMERICA, KNOW YOUR VALUE
