Heartland Forward is a think-and-do-tank dedicated to being a resource for states and local communities in the middle of the country. We do this by studying broad economic trends and building data-driven and community-tested partnerships, programs and policies to address the needs of the heartland, help change the narrative about the middle of the country and kick-start economic growth.

The No. 1 economic issue of our time is having access to affordable high-speed internet. Connecting the Heartland is a multi-state multi-pronged initiative to boost internet availability, affordability and adoption rates for participation in online services that are key to economic opportunity. Our goal is to be a resource to states and communities by emphasizing affordability and adoption alongside expanding infrastructure. Our work is focused to date in six states – Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois, Ohio, Oklahoma and Tennessee.