Unemployment in rural areas is a highly-complex issue, with location paramount to the conversation. Before the pandemic normalized remote work, people were already exploring how to utilize remote work as a powerful counterpunch to battle declining workforces in rural areas. Efforts in many states have demonstrated its potential to narrow the urban-rural employment gap. While remote work models have opened up opportunities for qualified workers who don’t live near economic hubs, it's also initiated a shift in commuting and land use patterns. Now is the opportune time for government agencies, towns, and companies to take transformative action through remote work to diversify economic growth and create prosperity in rural communities. Hear from the people on the ground making it happen.