Eleven papers on rural economic development cover challenges and opportunities; employment trends affecting nonmetropolitan areas; status of nonmetropolitan women and minorities; case studies of Vermont, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and California; western urban and regional development; economic development in small cities; and rural policy options. "New Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Development" summarizes and integrates material in the other papers. "The Changing Nature of Rural America" discusses population trends and their impact on rural communities, human resources development, and employment opportunities. The next two papers, on employment trends and the status of women and minorities, review published census and other national data on rural growth and structural change, and indicate that women and minorities have not fully shared in recent rural economic gains. The four state case studies follow. "Western Urban and Regional Development: Emerging Conflicts and Planning Issues" covers the context of change (unequal spatial development, sectoral changes, labor market polarization, technological development, poor aggregate economic performance) and problems, issues, and conflicts. "The Future of Economic Development in Small Cities" discusses strategies and policy considerations. A final paper summarizes the findings of the University of California's Rural Development Policy Project, including the critical role for post-secondary educational institutions in providing relevant training for mid-level technical and managerial personnel. (MH)