John C. Shepard, AICP
@jcshepard.com
Trusted source for actionable insights and visionary perspectives on community planning, economic development, & rural resilience.
VC-Communications at APA Small Town & Rural Planning Division.
VC-Communications at APA Small Town & Rural Planning Division.
On the blog for your holiday gift-giving: 12 planning & sustainability books for 2026, from small-town action and civic branding to agri-energy and rural futures. What’s on your reading list for the new year? jcshepard.com/2025/12/plan...
#smalltowns #rural #planning #econdev #books
#smalltowns #rural #planning #econdev #books
December 7, 2025 at 5:16 PM
On the blog for your holiday gift-giving: 12 planning & sustainability books for 2026, from small-town action and civic branding to agri-energy and rural futures. What’s on your reading list for the new year? jcshepard.com/2025/12/plan...
#smalltowns #rural #planning #econdev #books
#smalltowns #rural #planning #econdev #books
Rural Entrepreneurs Aren’t Taking No for an Economic Answer
The line between Main Street and Country Roads has never been as clear as people often thought….
#SmallTowns #rural #econdev
medium.com/small-towns-...
The line between Main Street and Country Roads has never been as clear as people often thought….
#SmallTowns #rural #econdev
medium.com/small-towns-...
December 6, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Rural Entrepreneurs Aren’t Taking No for an Economic Answer
The line between Main Street and Country Roads has never been as clear as people often thought….
#SmallTowns #rural #econdev
medium.com/small-towns-...
The line between Main Street and Country Roads has never been as clear as people often thought….
#SmallTowns #rural #econdev
medium.com/small-towns-...
The Idea Friendly Guide: How You Can Embrace New Ideas, Build Community, and Save Your Small Town
Get your copy of Becky McCray’s new book today!
Review: jcshepard.com/2025/12/the-...
#SmallTowns #Rural #leadership
Get your copy of Becky McCray’s new book today!
Review: jcshepard.com/2025/12/the-...
#SmallTowns #Rural #leadership
December 2, 2025 at 3:27 AM
The Idea Friendly Guide: How You Can Embrace New Ideas, Build Community, and Save Your Small Town
Get your copy of Becky McCray’s new book today!
Review: jcshepard.com/2025/12/the-...
#SmallTowns #Rural #leadership
Get your copy of Becky McCray’s new book today!
Review: jcshepard.com/2025/12/the-...
#SmallTowns #Rural #leadership
Small towns don’t need mega-projects to thrive—they need local wisdom, small wins, and community-led design. Millsboro (DE), Independence (IA) and Truth or Consequences (NM) show how “praxis” turns big planning ideas into walkable streets, vibrant parks, & revived main streets.
#smalltowns #rural
#smalltowns #rural
November 30, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Small towns don’t need mega-projects to thrive—they need local wisdom, small wins, and community-led design. Millsboro (DE), Independence (IA) and Truth or Consequences (NM) show how “praxis” turns big planning ideas into walkable streets, vibrant parks, & revived main streets.
#smalltowns #rural
#smalltowns #rural
Looks like data.census.gov coming back online. Welcome back US Census Bureau staff!!
Get your #Census data while you can.
Get your #Census data while you can.
November 17, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Looks like data.census.gov coming back online. Welcome back US Census Bureau staff!!
Get your #Census data while you can.
Get your #Census data while you can.
Turning theory into action: Rural towns like Hinesburg, VT & Davis, CA show how smart zoning puts big ideas into practice—blending growth, farmland, and community into real results. Ideas on how local values shape better land use here: jcshepard.com/2025/11/rura... #RuralZoning #Praxis #SmartGrowth
November 16, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Turning theory into action: Rural towns like Hinesburg, VT & Davis, CA show how smart zoning puts big ideas into practice—blending growth, farmland, and community into real results. Ideas on how local values shape better land use here: jcshepard.com/2025/11/rura... #RuralZoning #Praxis #SmartGrowth
Kristan Cockerill, Appalachian State University, discussed the idea of the #Midwest as “Flyover Country”. Spoiler: we do it to ourselves… so go ahead and embrace it. Like “Nebraska… we’re not for everyone”.
November 15, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Kristan Cockerill, Appalachian State University, discussed the idea of the #Midwest as “Flyover Country”. Spoiler: we do it to ourselves… so go ahead and embrace it. Like “Nebraska… we’re not for everyone”.
Kurt Hackemer, Provost at University of South Dakota, opening The Lost Region Recovery Project conference on #Midwest Studies in Sioux Falls. Sponsored by Middle West Review & National Endowment for the Humanities.
November 15, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Kurt Hackemer, Provost at University of South Dakota, opening The Lost Region Recovery Project conference on #Midwest Studies in Sioux Falls. Sponsored by Middle West Review & National Endowment for the Humanities.
"One of the best-preserved forts of the Northern Plains and a prime example of the small prairie fort is Fort Hartsuff on the eastern edge of the #Nebraska Sand Hills."
-Jeff Barnes, Forts of the Northern Plains: A Guide to Military and Civilian Posts of the Plains Indian Wars (New Edition, 2024)
-Jeff Barnes, Forts of the Northern Plains: A Guide to Military and Civilian Posts of the Plains Indian Wars (New Edition, 2024)
November 14, 2025 at 4:53 PM
"One of the best-preserved forts of the Northern Plains and a prime example of the small prairie fort is Fort Hartsuff on the eastern edge of the #Nebraska Sand Hills."
-Jeff Barnes, Forts of the Northern Plains: A Guide to Military and Civilian Posts of the Plains Indian Wars (New Edition, 2024)
-Jeff Barnes, Forts of the Northern Plains: A Guide to Military and Civilian Posts of the Plains Indian Wars (New Edition, 2024)
Lost Region Recovery Project Conference
November 15, 2025
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Innovative approaches to Midwestern #history, #culture, and #identity.
uimiddle.wordpress.com/lost-region-...
#Midwest
November 15, 2025
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Innovative approaches to Midwestern #history, #culture, and #identity.
uimiddle.wordpress.com/lost-region-...
#Midwest
November 13, 2025 at 12:47 AM
Lost Region Recovery Project Conference
November 15, 2025
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Innovative approaches to Midwestern #history, #culture, and #identity.
uimiddle.wordpress.com/lost-region-...
#Midwest
November 15, 2025
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Innovative approaches to Midwestern #history, #culture, and #identity.
uimiddle.wordpress.com/lost-region-...
#Midwest
Small towns thrive with small, smart steps: crosswalks, park upgrades, shared spaces—local ideas and teamwork make Active Living part of daily life!
See how rural communities can create big change: jcshepard.com/2025/11/acti... #ActiveLiving #smalltowns #rural #publichealth
See how rural communities can create big change: jcshepard.com/2025/11/acti... #ActiveLiving #smalltowns #rural #publichealth
November 9, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Small towns thrive with small, smart steps: crosswalks, park upgrades, shared spaces—local ideas and teamwork make Active Living part of daily life!
See how rural communities can create big change: jcshepard.com/2025/11/acti... #ActiveLiving #smalltowns #rural #publichealth
See how rural communities can create big change: jcshepard.com/2025/11/acti... #ActiveLiving #smalltowns #rural #publichealth
Agritainment blends agriculture & fun—think corn mazes, pumpkin patches, & craft wineries! It boosts local tourism, connects communities, & celebrates our heritage. Smart planning makes it all possible. Read more: jcshepard.com/2024/11/agri... #Agritainment #Placemaking #Tourism #econdev
November 6, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Agritainment blends agriculture & fun—think corn mazes, pumpkin patches, & craft wineries! It boosts local tourism, connects communities, & celebrates our heritage. Smart planning makes it all possible. Read more: jcshepard.com/2024/11/agri... #Agritainment #Placemaking #Tourism #econdev
Small towns thrive by putting theory to work—by applying praxis and implementation to rural planning projects. Learn how rural communities are turning their strengths into action in our latest article: jcshepard.com/2025/11/prax...
#SmallTown #Rural #Planning #Policy #RuralAction
#SmallTown #Rural #Planning #Policy #RuralAction
November 2, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Small towns thrive by putting theory to work—by applying praxis and implementation to rural planning projects. Learn how rural communities are turning their strengths into action in our latest article: jcshepard.com/2025/11/prax...
#SmallTown #Rural #Planning #Policy #RuralAction
#SmallTown #Rural #Planning #Policy #RuralAction
How can rural places drive real progress—from ideas to action? This November, join stories & tips for small towns using local assets for lasting change. Praxis, pilots, and people-centered implementation.
Read more: jcshepard.com/2025/11/big-...
#Smalltown #rural #planning #econdev
Read more: jcshepard.com/2025/11/big-...
#Smalltown #rural #planning #econdev
November 1, 2025 at 6:17 PM
How can rural places drive real progress—from ideas to action? This November, join stories & tips for small towns using local assets for lasting change. Praxis, pilots, and people-centered implementation.
Read more: jcshepard.com/2025/11/big-...
#Smalltown #rural #planning #econdev
Read more: jcshepard.com/2025/11/big-...
#Smalltown #rural #planning #econdev
Rural communities can boost resilience and local jobs by stacking renewables: biomass, geothermal, SMRs, solar, and wind. Learn how integration can fuel economic growth and energy independence. Read more: jcshepard.com/2025/10/rura...
#SmallTown #Rural #RenewableEnergy #econdev
#SmallTown #Rural #RenewableEnergy #econdev
October 27, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Rural communities can boost resilience and local jobs by stacking renewables: biomass, geothermal, SMRs, solar, and wind. Learn how integration can fuel economic growth and energy independence. Read more: jcshepard.com/2025/10/rura...
#SmallTown #Rural #RenewableEnergy #econdev
#SmallTown #Rural #RenewableEnergy #econdev
Rural America’s next #energy wave is here: biomass, geothermal & SMRs boost resilience, jobs & clean power—beyond just solar/wind. Case studies show these techs turn waste & legacy sites into local opportunity. See how the rural energy mix is changing: jcshepard.com/2025/10/rura...
#Renewables
#Renewables
October 26, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Rural America’s next #energy wave is here: biomass, geothermal & SMRs boost resilience, jobs & clean power—beyond just solar/wind. Case studies show these techs turn waste & legacy sites into local opportunity. See how the rural energy mix is changing: jcshepard.com/2025/10/rura...
#Renewables
#Renewables
Solar farms are rewriting the story of rural America. Clean power, steady land income, $739M in local tax benefits last year — but not everyone’s shining on solar yet. 15% of U.S. counties now limit new projects.
Is renewable energy progress meeting rural priorities?
jcshepard.com/2025/10/sola...
Is renewable energy progress meeting rural priorities?
jcshepard.com/2025/10/sola...
October 22, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Solar farms are rewriting the story of rural America. Clean power, steady land income, $739M in local tax benefits last year — but not everyone’s shining on solar yet. 15% of U.S. counties now limit new projects.
Is renewable energy progress meeting rural priorities?
jcshepard.com/2025/10/sola...
Is renewable energy progress meeting rural priorities?
jcshepard.com/2025/10/sola...
Trump crackdown on offshore wind hits US shipbuilders & ports: $679M+ in grants canceled, ship orders dry up, and port projects delayed. Industry faces job losses, uncertain future.
Details: www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
#wind #energy #Renewables #econdev
Details: www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
#wind #energy #Renewables #econdev
October 22, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Trump crackdown on offshore wind hits US shipbuilders & ports: $679M+ in grants canceled, ship orders dry up, and port projects delayed. Industry faces job losses, uncertain future.
Details: www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
#wind #energy #Renewables #econdev
Details: www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
#wind #energy #Renewables #econdev
Rural America is blending solar with farming—agrivoltaics means clean energy, more income for farmers, and thriving pollinators. Smart zoning helps landowners & communities benefit together. See how solar & ag can work side by side: jcshepard.com/2025/10/sola...
#Rural #Agrivoltaics #Solar #Energy
#Rural #Agrivoltaics #Solar #Energy
October 19, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Rural America is blending solar with farming—agrivoltaics means clean energy, more income for farmers, and thriving pollinators. Smart zoning helps landowners & communities benefit together. See how solar & ag can work side by side: jcshepard.com/2025/10/sola...
#Rural #Agrivoltaics #Solar #Energy
#Rural #Agrivoltaics #Solar #Energy
Take pride in your community.
October 16, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Take pride in your community.
On Zoom right now, Caleb Pollard, Valley County, Nebraska, Economic Development: Creative Methods to Tackle Community Revitalization.
HomeNE webinar. www.homene.us
#NE #rural #econdev #housing
HomeNE webinar. www.homene.us
#NE #rural #econdev #housing
October 16, 2025 at 7:09 PM
On Zoom right now, Caleb Pollard, Valley County, Nebraska, Economic Development: Creative Methods to Tackle Community Revitalization.
HomeNE webinar. www.homene.us
#NE #rural #econdev #housing
HomeNE webinar. www.homene.us
#NE #rural #econdev #housing
Reviving #rural America with clean power! 🌱 Discover how local energy and community projects can spark a new renaissance. Check out this insightful book review from the Spring 2024 @apa-star.bsky.social newsletter: jcshepard.com/2025/10/rura...
#SmallTownRural #RenewableEnergy #wind #solar #policy
#SmallTownRural #RenewableEnergy #wind #solar #policy
October 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Reviving #rural America with clean power! 🌱 Discover how local energy and community projects can spark a new renaissance. Check out this insightful book review from the Spring 2024 @apa-star.bsky.social newsletter: jcshepard.com/2025/10/rura...
#SmallTownRural #RenewableEnergy #wind #solar #policy
#SmallTownRural #RenewableEnergy #wind #solar #policy
How are rural communities shaping wind energy’s future? Economic boosts, wildlife challenges, smarter zoning, and cool innovations like wooden towers—in our latest post in October's energy series.
Read more: jcshepard.com/2025/10/wind...
#rural #econdev #WindEnergy
Read more: jcshepard.com/2025/10/wind...
#rural #econdev #WindEnergy
October 12, 2025 at 2:57 PM
How are rural communities shaping wind energy’s future? Economic boosts, wildlife challenges, smarter zoning, and cool innovations like wooden towers—in our latest post in October's energy series.
Read more: jcshepard.com/2025/10/wind...
#rural #econdev #WindEnergy
Read more: jcshepard.com/2025/10/wind...
#rural #econdev #WindEnergy
🏛️ Today is #WorldArchitectureDay. Celebrated annually on the first Monday of October since 1985, this day recognizes architecture's vital role in shaping our communities. This year's theme: "Design for Strength" - emphasizing resilience & sustainable rebuilding. #Architecture #UrbanDesign
October 6, 2025 at 6:15 PM
🏛️ Today is #WorldArchitectureDay. Celebrated annually on the first Monday of October since 1985, this day recognizes architecture's vital role in shaping our communities. This year's theme: "Design for Strength" - emphasizing resilience & sustainable rebuilding. #Architecture #UrbanDesign
🔋 Global energy hit record highs in 2024. While fossil fuels still dominate at 86.7%, renewables are surging--now 30% of electricity. Solar up 23%, wind up 10%. By 2050: renewables + nuclear could power 65-80% of global electricity. The rural energy revolution is here.
jcshepard.com/2025/10/rura...
jcshepard.com/2025/10/rura...
October 6, 2025 at 12:53 PM
🔋 Global energy hit record highs in 2024. While fossil fuels still dominate at 86.7%, renewables are surging--now 30% of electricity. Solar up 23%, wind up 10%. By 2050: renewables + nuclear could power 65-80% of global electricity. The rural energy revolution is here.
jcshepard.com/2025/10/rura...
jcshepard.com/2025/10/rura...