We’re on a mission to revitalize the American Heartland
The American Heartland is — quite literally — at the center of our country’s identity and story. Millions of people call these twenty states in the middle of the country home, and a strong Heartland is integral to America’s successes.
It’s no secret though that this region faces real challenges. Heartland economies and populations aren’t growing as fast as those on the East and West Coasts. Opioids and obesity are wreaking havoc. Rural counties rank among the worst on key measures of socioeconomic well-being, like poverty rate and workforce participation. Many Heartland communities are facing demographic challenges and population decline. According to The Wall Street Journal, “rural America is the new ‘inner city.’”
But that’s not the full story. The Heartland is also a storehouse of tremendous potential. Many of its cities and metro areas are among the fastest growing in the country. Its businesses, universities, social enterprises, and talented people are sources of new ideas for prosperity and well-being. Its land and cities have rich resources for growth and development.
The rest of the country isn’t paying attention to all that is happening in middle America. For too long, Heartland communities and economies, especially smaller cities and rural areas, have been an afterthought in the national policy discussion.
We’re working to change that. Heartland Forward, a “think and do tank” headquartered in Northwest Arkansas, is the first and only organization of its kind dedicated entirely to the Heartland region. Our mission is to advance economic performance in the center of the United States. We’re working toward this goal by conducting original research, convening leading thinkers, and advocating for policy solutions at the state and federal levels.
Heartland Forward has an ambitious mission, but we have the right team in place to achieve it. Ross DeVol, who previously led research on the economic vitality of the Heartland as a Walton Fellow at the Walton Family Foundation, and who served as chief research officer at the Milken Institute prior to that, will serve as President and CEO. Economists Richard Florida and Joel Kotkin will oversee research projects as senior fellows. We are excited to share original new research insights with you in the coming months, including research on millennials in the Heartland and the impact of start-ups on Heartland economies.
The Heartland is not only our focus — it is also our home. We are deeply connected to the region and are proud to shine a new spotlight on its potential and find new opportunities for growth. The need for a dedicated focus on the Heartland was the inspiration for Heartland Forward, and the region’s successes will continue to be our top goal as we pursue our work.
