This program supports North Dakota communities as they seek to thrive and provide a high quality of life for their residents. Communities are empowered to invest in themselves and ultimately retain and attract investment, people and opportunity by developing a simple, sustainable strategy to improve local livability. North Dakota rural communities have vast potential for offering a high quality of life by capitalizing on small successes and the things that make them unique.

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Research shows that people and employers now choose their location based on quality of life and the unique opportunities communities offer that make a town "livable." Directing resources to improving livability has a high return on investment and residents are happier and healthier.

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The program and workbook was developed by USDA Rural Development and local community support organizations.