By: Dylan Hemedinger
In our 11/9 meeting, we discussed the rural and urban divide in North Carolina and the country at large. Taking a look at where “blue” counties and “red” counties were this election is proof of just how much our state is split. Urban areas are more liberal, have better education, and better funded hospitals than rural areas. However, there is a certain quality of rural life that cannot be replicated in an urban environment: rural communities are more tight-knit and safer.
With all this in mind, we discussed whether rural communities should be urbanized. Students brought up several good points—here are the highlights:
Urbanizing rural areas—giving better funding to schools and hospitals, bringing in more businesses, etc.—would be incredibly expensive (perhaps too expensive to be plausible). However, the benefits of a better educated and healthier population may be worth it.
Some people may prefer to live in smaller communities, and don’t want others to intrude on that small-town life.
We look forward to having more interesting conversations in the future!! PCEC members, feel free to contact the leaders with topics and ideas.