Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she highlights the importance of listening to young people during the economic development process. Guests include Megan Laudenshlager, Executive Director of Strengthen North Dakota; Ben Thomas, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps; and Kevin Leier, a teacher at Rugby High School in Pierce County, North Dakota.

This episode continues our series on Reimagining the Rural West, the Chairman’s Initiative of WGA Chair and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, which is examining challenges and opportunities in rural economic development, infrastructure and quality of life in the West.

To listen, click the embedded player below, or visit Podbean. Out West is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Previous Episodes:

• Episode 1: Reimagining the Rural West: WGA Chair and North Dakota Gov. Burgum explains why he chose to pursue this Initiative.
• Episode 2: Reimagining the Rural Narrative: Rural sociologist Ben Winchester on how the negative narrative surrounding rural communities is just not true.
• Episode 3: A Sense of Place: “Placemaking” by rural community leaders capitalizes on local assets to create environments where people want to live, work and play.
• Episode 4: Growing Through Rural Partnerships: Partnerships are vital in promoting economic development across the West.
• Episode 5: Diversifying the Rural Economy: A variety of different business structures can provide stability to their respective communities.
• Episode 6: Healthcare Innovations in the West: Rural communities across the region are working to bolster healthcare access.

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