Widespread coverage of Rural Policy Action Report

In partnership with 40 grassroots rural organizations, Rural Democracy Initiative released the third Rural Policy Action Report in October 2025. The broadly popular report outlines a practical agenda for tangible improvements to rural people's quality of life, and widespread media coverage highlights our policy priorities and grantee partners.

One hundred eighty radio stations covered the report’s release, focusing on priorities like education and health care. Prominent outlets such as The Nation and The American Prospect referenced the report in their political coverage and highlighted the practical solutions. Barnraiser and COURIER newsrooms covered the report in detail.

Whether you live in Marquette or Monroe or somewhere in between, most of us believe that we all need lower costs, higher wages and the freedom to make choices about our own lives in order to thrive. The 2025 Rural Policy Action Report gives specifics for how our elected officials can make this a reality for everyone.

-Levi Teitel, Progress Michigan  

Our grantees have also used the report to highlight the good work taking place at home through local and statewide outlets. Progress Michigan's Levi Teitel wrote how he feels excited by the popularity of our unifying policy aims at a time of great division. In numerous publications across the country, our partners have elevated the report as an important part of the national discourse.

We had four syndicated editorials that ran in 50 outlets, mostly local papers. In one editorial, Communications and Policy Director Michael Chameides outlined “Five ways lawmakers can deliver for rural America.” Read more below.