Rural Communities: Worth the Investment

Rural Communities: Worth the Investment, a speech by Federal Reserve Governor Michael S. Barr.

14 Apr 2026


News

At Strengthening America’s Economy through Rural Investment: A Working Forum, Washington, D.C. with Federal Reserve Governor Michael S. Barr.

It is great to be here with you today.1 During my career, I've had the opportunity to work on issues affecting rural communities, especially access to capital. My time at the Federal Reserve has only deepened my appreciation for the opportunities and challenges of rural America, as I've traveled over the past several years to rural communities.

These communities share many challenges, and they also face distinct obstacles that require flexible solutions. What has stood out to me is the level of innovation and creativity behind many of those solutions. We should do more to elevate these examples, sharing what works and spreading ideas that can expand opportunity and support economic growth across rural America.

Click here to listen to the speech or read the original article from the Federal Reserve.