1. This paper reviews modern research concerning rural development in the U.S. and reports indicators of U.S. rural distress.
2. It examines the market forces and market failures that cause rural distress and may limit the applicability of existing urban/regional theories to rural problems.
3. A variety of uniquely rural issues are identified that require theoretical innovations in rural, urban, regional, and spatial economics.
The article is generally reliable and trustworthy as it provides a comprehensive overview of modern research concerning rural development in the U.S., as well as indicators of U.S. rural distress, market forces, and market failures that cause this distress, and potential solutions for these issues through theoretical innovations in related fields such as urban/regional economics, rural economics, regional economics, and spatial economics. The article is also unbiased in its presentation of information; it does not present any one side more than another or make unsupported claims or omit counterarguments or evidence for its claims made throughout the text. Additionally, the article does not contain any promotional content or partiality towards any particular viewpoint or solution to the issues discussed within it; instead it presents a balanced view of all sides of the issue at hand while noting possible risks associated with each proposed solution presented within it.