This report produces a series of policy proposals designed to address the shortcomings and comparative disadvantages of rural Southern economic development. The policy proposals are based on careful social science research described in the body of this report. While the research is largely based on the North Carolina case, the policy recommendations should be carefully considered throughout the Southern region where the political and economic division between sunbelt blessed urban areas and poor rural places is evident. This executive summary first outlines the. central research findings and then lists the policy proposals. The reader interested in the basis for reaching these recommendations needs to read the research reported in Chapters One through Five. If your interest is confined to further details on the policy proposals Chapter Six might be a good place to start.