Callie McFarland (BAUP 2002) is Community Development Director of the City of Monticello, Illinois. According to the U.S. Census, one in five people in the United States lives in a rural community or rural setting. Rural communities are still a very relevant part of the economy, but limited resources and support can often leave rural communities without the appropriate planning guidance, making them vulnerable to decline. This discussion will touch on the challenges facing rural planning and community development, and highlight the need for important collaborations and relationships all to insure rural communities remain relevant and sustainable.