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Challenges Facing Nonmetro Illinois
While the 1980s were difficult for most nonmetropolitan counties in Illinois, there is some evidence that the 1990s will be better, according to population estimates by the Bureau of Census.1 Preliminary estimates show that between 1990 and 1994, the population of rural Illinois increased 1.1 percent, compared with 3.2 percent for metro areas and 2.8 percent for Illinois as a whole. This estimated growth is not large but it is much better than the loss of 5.6 percent in rural Illinois during the 1980s. A more detailed comparison at the municipal level indicates that, during the 1980s, in most size classifications, more than half experienced declines in population. The estimated changes in the 1900s are quite different. Overall, the probability of having had a population increase is directly related to population size from 50.1 percent in cities smaller than 500 to 73.9 percent in cities of 50,000 and larger. It is difficult to understand some of the turnarounds but bear in mind that these figures are estimates and the final numbers may change. Perceptions about Quality of Life Even though rural areas in some parts of Illinois seem to fare better in terms of population, some pessimism remains about how economic conditions will change in the future. For six years, the Institute for Rural Affairs has monitored attitudes and conditions in rural Illinois through the Illinois Rural Life Panel (IRLP), a panel of nearly 2,000 residents in nonmetro counties. The panel consists of rural residents from all walks of life and all nonmetro areas in Illinois, who have agreed to participate in the annual survey. In 1993, the Panel was asked about the overall economic prospects for rural Illinois families in the next five years — between 1993 and 1998. Statewide 18.2 percent of respondents reported that economic prospects will become somewhat or much better. This compares with 22.0 percent reporting the same response in 1990. At the other extreme, 49.3 percent of the respondents expected economic prospects for rural Illinois to "become somewhat or much worse." This figure is up from 39.0 percent in 1990. One explanation may be the fact that 1990 followed a long period of economic expansion while 1993 followed a major recession. Respondents were affected by these experiences which may explain part of the differences in response. Nevertheless, considerable concern apparently exists among respondents. What is Important? Panelists were asked to identify changes which would improve the conditions in their communities and rank them in order of highest and lowest priorities. Overall, the main interest was to improve the economic status of rural areas (Table 1). For instance, 73.1 percent of respondents said that bringing in new businesses was the highest priority to improve the economic conditions in their community. This was followed closely (65.7 percent) by more job opportunities. These responses might seem strange in light of the fact that unemployment rates have dropped markedly in recent years and, in many rural areas, are relatively low. One explanation may involve the restructuring of the rural economies. In-coming jobs in recent years often have been relatively low-paying. Many are consumer service jobs but even entry-level manufacturing jobs do not always pay very well.2 Closely related responses include 37.6 percent favoring provision of opportunities for youth and 39.6 percent favoring retention of old businesses. It is common in rural Illinois to hear concerns about youth leaving the area and being unable to return when they complete college or establish themselves in a career. Obviously, retaining businesses is important so that the area does not retrench, causing higher unemployment and other economic problems. Social services and physical improvements were at the other end of the preference spectrum. More local housing (15.0 percent), downtown beautification (14.6 percent), and public transportation (15.3 percent) were a few of the items not given a high priority by many respondents. This does not indicate that they are not needed or shouldn't be done; rather, it suggests that, given the current situation, highest priority is assigned to other factors. The low priority awarded to adding more local housing is somewhat surprising because many rural communities, especially small towns, are experiencing somewhat of a housing shortage. One explanation may be that Panelists already have housing and are not pressured to find space as a new arrival in a rural community might be. Also unexpected is the low priority of public transportation, although it is easy to understand that this service is of high importance to residents who do not drive while it is not of major interest to others who own and drive cars. One might expect that as residents live longer and as relatively more aged residents live in nonmetro areas, this service will grow in importance. What Should be Done? Panelists were also asked which developments they would or would not like to see in or near their community during the next five years (1995-2000). While many responses follow those in Table 1, the social services and community development factors were relatively more important. Highest priority (93.0 percent) was
°The authors are director, Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, Western Illinois University and director, Community Research Services Office at Illinois State University. They thank Lori York for data tabulation. The Illinois Rural Life Panel has been supported since 1989 by the Governors Rural Affairs Council and is administered by Community Research Services through a contract from the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs. November 1995 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 27
assigned to downtown revitalization (getting every store front occupied). This contrasts with the relatively low importance assigned to downtown beautification in Table 1. In other words, residents want to be able to shop locally with less importance attached to the physical appearance of the downtown. The responses may be related because as more store owners exist in the downtown or as the downtown becomes more profitable the physical appearance may improve also. Unfortunately, given the presence of regional shopping centers and discount stores, it may be difficult to maintain viable downtowns in many small rural communities. However, the Illinois Main Street Program, sponsored by the Office of Lt. Governor Bob Kustra, works with communities specifically on this issue. Also Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs staff work with many communities on downtown development issues through the MAPPING of Future of Your Community. More vocational training opportunities in rural areas also were considered important by rural panelists (89.6 percent). In many schools, vocational education programs were significantly downsized in earlier years, often in favor of preparing students for college and/or preparing them for more advanced computer-oriented positions. Rural residents are concerned about a need for more vocational training located nearby. This concern makes sense in light of the shift from manufacturing and agriculture to services in both the U.S. and the Illinois economy. Many jobs will not require a college degree but will require persons skilled in crafts. Also true is that many opportunities exist for small companies to provide services in nearby urban centers. For instance, roofing contractors, carpenters/remodelers, and similar occupations rely heavily on skilled labor and these firms, if located in small communities, could support urban needs. Residents (87.8 percent) also would like to see new factories constructed in or near their communities because they provide relatively high-paying jobs. Likewise, residents (82.6 percent) favor development of new recreational facilities which provide jobs, but also improve the quality of life in a rural area. There is interest in more adult education (83.2 percent) and increased use of telecommunications in businesses, schools, and government (82.4 percent). Telecommunications are especially important in rural areas to reduce the disadvantages associated with remoteness. Firms seeking to relocate clearly consider the telecommunications infrastructure important. At the same time, however, rural residents must be able to work effectively in an environment that relies heavily on Page 28 / Illinois Municipal Review / November 1995
telecommunications. The retaining necessary to qualify rural residents for this kind of work can be provided through adult education. Of special note is the lack of interest in constructing a new prison in or near rural communities. This is somewhat at odds with the interest shown by community leaders when opportunities for new prisons become available. The responses manifest a "not in my backyard" syndrome. In other words, the increased employment opportunities are welcome as long as respondents don't have to live near the prison facility. New fast food establishments and inter-city rail or bus service also were not rated highly. The latter response is explained by the relatively few residents who would regularly use this type of service. While it may be very important to the elderly who do not drive, it is not an important issue for residents with other means of transportation. Summary The 1990s, potentially, will be much better for rural areas than the 1980s. Unemployment is down and there are signs of population increase, even in relatively small communities. The economic restructuring that brings relatively lower-paying jobs affects both urban and rural areas but leaders in many rural communities have decided to become involved in helping to controlling their community's future through aggressive initiatives to start businesses, improve the quality of life and other community development activities. State government in Illinois has also been an active player in these efforts with a focused thrust through the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The Governor's Rural Affairs Council, created in 1987 and chaired by Lt. Governor Kustra, started the MAPPING the Future of Your Community program. Administered by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University, this program has worked with 40 rural November 1995 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 29 communities across Illinois to create a community vision, long-term goals, and an action plan to reach these objectives. More than 1,200 community leaders have participated in the program and more than 300 community projects are underway. These projects range from attracting new retail businesses to joint purchasing programs involving several cities or other governments. The MAPPING program works with the Competitive Communities Initiative administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. The driving force underlying these programs is to help start local initiatives and give community leaders confidence that their efforts will bring a brighter future (and maybe even economic survival) to their communities. The MAPPING initiative addresses community development from economic development, health, and education perspectives on the rationale that a holistic approach is needed to insure long-term rural revitalization. The Illinois Main Street program, also administered by the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, works with selected communities to revitalize the downtown area and assists businesses to improve their competitiveness. The focus is on historic preservation but the program is broader than facade repair. It works with business leaders to make their stores viable and to expand market areas. The Distance Learning Foundation attracts private contributions to provide equipment and training so that communities can better use telecommunications in providing classes to students in rural schools. Without these distance learning classes, some smaller schools would have difficulty providing specialized classes that students need for college admittance. These facilities also can be used to provide adult education for rural residents who need to upgrade their skills to find better paying jobs, or even retain current jobs. Clearly, there is some pessimism in rural areas, as shown by responses in the Rural Life Panel. However, many communities recognize the need for local action and have begun the process to make the future brighter. Effective use of state, federal and other resources, and a little good luck, should cause a better future for many rural communities in Illinois. 1. Norman Walzer and Lori York, Rural Illinois in the 1900s: A New Era? (Macomb, IL; Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, 1994), vol. 6, no. 3. 2. Jeff Crump, Hard Work and Low Wages: Earnings Among Rural Workers in Illinois (Macomb, IL: Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, 1995), vol.6, no. 2. Page 30 / Illinois Municipal Review / November 1995 |
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