Rural Economic Development & Community Marketing

Helping Rural Communities Move Forward

Rural communities face real challenges. Population decline, workforce shortages, housing needs, business recruitment, and economic sustainability affect towns across the Midwest and Rural America.

Many communities also struggle to find affordable, experienced professionals who understand rural issues and can help them create solutions, secure funding, and share their story.

At Rural Forward, we help communities build momentum through economic development strategy, housing initiatives, community marketing, and practical action plans.

For more than 15 years, Jenny Russell provided consulting, marketing, and community development services through a successful long-term partnership in Republic County, Kansas. Following the completion of that work in 2025, Rural Forward expanded its services to help additional communities across Kansas, the Midwest, and Rural America.

Meet Jenny Russell

Jenny Russell is an economic development strategist, community marketer, and rural advocate with more than 15 years of experience helping communities grow.

Throughout her career, she has helped communities strengthen local economies, address housing challenges, increase community engagement, secure funding, and implement long-term development strategies.

Jenny is the founder of JenRus Marketing and A Little Hometown Shirt, bringing additional expertise in marketing, branding, digital communications, and creative services. She is also a partner in Rural Forward alongside housing and design specialist Harley Schaub.

Areas of Expertise

  • Economic Development Strategy
  • Rural Development
  • Housing Development
  • Workforce Housing
  • Business Retention & Expansion
  • Entrepreneurship & Small Business Support
  • Workforce Development
  • Downtown Revitalization & Placemaking
  • Community Engagement
  • Strategic Planning
  • Grant Writing & Administration
  • Public-Private Partnerships
  • Community Marketing
  • Tourism Development
  • Talent Attraction
  • Regional Collaboration
  • Quality of Life Initiatives
  • Economic Development Training

Building stronger rural communities through strategy, storytelling, and action.

Contact Rural Forward today to discuss your next economic development, housing, or community marketing project.