Danielle Samalin

Chief Growth Officer at the Center on Rural Innovation, where she leads efforts to expand the organization’s impact through partnerships, philanthropy, and growth initiatives. Previously, she founded and led Framework Homeownership and served as Executive Vice President at the Housing Partnership Network, advancing community development and affordable homeownership.

Rural Entrepreneurship Depends on Local Capacity, Not Just Capital

Rural entrepreneurship requires more than investment: communities need the capacity and coordination to put capital to work locally. Derek Kilmer of the Rockefeller Foundation identifies capital, capacity and coordination as essential; Danielle Samalin of the Center on Rural Innovation adds connections and argues that housing belongs in economic-development planning from the start. In Bozeman, Mayor Joey Morrison described technology investment as raising the prospect of new jobs while intensifying pressure on affordability and local businesses.

The Aspen InstituteOct 27, 202613 min read