One of our polarized country’s most pronounced challenges is the growing divide between rural and urban America. It is a gap that includes significant variations in economic opportunities and what can be debilitating disparities in critical modern infrastructure, such as access to high-speed internet. It is a gap that also includes sometimes stark social and political differences. Understanding and effectively addressing this divide is essential for the wellbeing of our democracy.

Jen Giovannitti is the President of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, a place-based funder dedicated to rural communities. It generally invests two-thirds of its grant dollars in West Virginia and one-third in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining the Benedum Foundation, Ms. Giovannitti led community-based initiatives for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, working both regionally and nationally on issues facing low-income communities and advancing strategies for community investment. Earlier in her career, she lived in West Virginia for 11 years and led a succession of important economic development initiatives.

Special thanks to our event co-sponsors:
- The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
- Pitt Honors College
- Pitt School of Social Work
- University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
- University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

Timestamps
7:23 Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation: History and Mission
10:28 Benefits of Living in Rural Areas
18:49 Overcoming the Challenges Faced by Rural Communities
22:50 Density Bias in Public and Private Investment
25:44 Impact of Economic and Environmental Trends Facing Rural Communities
28:54 Strategies to Support Rural Areas
31:26 Federal Supports for Rural Communities
34:16 Importance of Broadband Access and Rise of Remote Work
39:07 Benefits to WV and SWPA of the Biden Infrastructure Plan
41:22 Fostering Opportunities in Rural Areas
45:07 Bridging the Rural/Urban Divide
50:10 Addressing Disparities in Rural Communities
51:00 Providing Opportunities in Rural Areas


For more information please visit the Preserving Democracy website: [ Ссылка ]

Series Title: Preserving Democracy
Date: April 15, 2021
Guest: Jen Giovannitti, President and Trustee, Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
Host: Mark Nordenberg, Chancellor Emeritus, University of Pittsburgh
Episode Title: Bridging the Divide Between Rural and Urban America

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