Tara Mastel

All but 10 of Montana’s counties are considered “non-metropolitan.” This comes with challenges like aging infrastructure and dwindling services. At Montana State University’s Rural Summit in Townsend, researchers, government officials and rural advocates shared how they were addressing these shared challenges.

All but 10 of Montana’s counties are considered “non-metropolitan.” This comes with challenges like aging infrastructure and dwindling services. At a recent summit, rural stakeholders highlighted the need for equitable funding access to help alleviate strains on the Treasure State’s small towns.

Rural communities across Montana have long been affected by “brain drain,” where the younger generation moves away for college and a career and never moves back. But, that's not the whole story. MTPR's Ellis Juhlin spoke with some new and returning residents and found optimistic visions for what the future of rural Montana could look like.