Resources
Items available at WCCLS Libraries that give an overview of the urban and rural divide and what can be done to foster a connection between the two groups can be found at Braver Angels Urban and Rural Divide Resource List. (List curated by William McCall from the Cedar Mill and Bethany Community Libraries.)
Class Politics: A Braver Angels Debate
The Rural/Urban Divide is a large part of class politics, and was discussed at length during this fascinating debate.
The Urban-Rural Divide
Urban-Rural Conflicts Can Drive Grassroots Authoritarianism Especially in Liberal States
The urban-rural divide in the United States, particularly in liberal states, leads to a perception of rural disenfranchisement, fueling the belief that elections are stolen. This divide, rooted in geography and political identity, is exacerbated by the Electoral College and the lack of representation for rural communities. To protect democracy, it is crucial to bridge this divide by investing in rural economies, respecting resource ownership, and expanding political dialogue.
Greater Idaho?
John Woods substack: The Greater Idaho movement, How liberal legislators are destroying Oregon.
Is farming ‘greater’ in Idaho? Higher costs in Oregon drive some producers across the border
Oregon’s higher costs, including the estate tax and labor regulations, are driving agricultural producers to Idaho. While some, like Paul Skeen, are moving to avoid the estate tax, others, such as Shay Myers, are relocating to reduce labor costs. However, Oregon’s land-use laws, which protect agricultural land from urban sprawl, are praised by some farmers, like Gabe Flick, who moved to Oregon for this reason.
Oregon’s kicker policy, which returns excess tax revenue to filers, disproportionately benefits urban areas, particularly the Portland metro area and Deschutes County. This is largely due to higher incomes in urban areas, leaving rural counties with smaller kicker payments. Transforming the kicker into the Working Families Kicker, which provides equal rebates, would benefit rural communities and strengthen economic security.
An OPB documentary
Oregon Representatives Ken Helm and Mark Owens, co-chairing the House Agriculture Committee, advocate for bipartisan water policy and infrastructure modernization. Despite facing criticism from their respective parties for their collaborative approach, they believe compromise is crucial for effective governance. Their shared philosophy emphasizes data-driven decision-making and community engagement, aiming to improve water management and protect Oregon’s natural resources.
Bipartisan legislative duo advocates for Oregon water modernization
Representatives Ken Helm and Mark Owens
