About
Smart Rural
A practical framework supporting rural and tribal communities from exploration to implementation.
Smart Rural is an initiative of The PLUM Catalyst that helps rural and tribal communities explore, plan, and implement innovative mobility solutions. Through applied learning, practical tools, and real-world experience, Smart Rural supports local and regional leaders as they move from ideas to implementation.
Smart Rural began as a series of collaborative seminars bringing together public leaders, researchers, innovators, and community stakeholders to explore the future of transportation in rural communities.
Today, it includes both learning experiences and practical tools that help communities move from exploration to real-world deployment.
Smart Rural Seminars
Smart Rural Seminars bring together public leaders, industry innovators, researchers, and community stakeholders to explore emerging transportation technologies and strategies for rural communities.
Through expert presentations, facilitated discussions, and real-world case studies, seminars help communities understand what is possible and what steps may come next.
Explore Smart Rural Seminars
Smart Rural Toolkit
The Smart Rural Toolkit builds on the insights and real-world experience gained through Smart Rural seminars and rural mobility deployments such as goMARTI.
Designed for rural, small urban, and tribal communities, the toolkit provides a practical roadmap for planning and implementing innovative transportation systems.
Explore the Smart Rural Toolkit
Real-World Application
Smart Rural initiatives are developed in collaboration with public agencies, research institutions, industry leaders, and community organizations.
Projects such as goMARTI in Grand Rapids, Minnesota demonstrate how rural communities can successfully explore and deploy innovative mobility solutions while strengthening workforce opportunities and improving transportation access.
From Conversation to Implementation
Smart Rural began as a series of seminars designed to bring together leaders exploring the future of mobility in rural communities.
As conversations evolved and projects like goMARTI moved toward deployment, the need for practical implementation guidance became clear. The Smart Rural Mobility Toolkit represents the next phase of this work — translating lessons from seminars, pilots, and partnerships into actionable resources for communities ready to move forward.
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Interested in learning more about Smart Rural, upcoming seminars, or the Smart Rural Toolkit?
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