A stark spatial hierarchy is emerging in the United States. Big cities are ascendant, enjoying accelerated job growth in a knowledge-driven economy, while midsize cities, small metro areas and rural communities struggle to keep pace. These geographic fault lines have provoked a debate about how to revitalize rural America.

What if the best way to rejuvenate small towns is to invest in cities?

There is already clear evidence that the economic prosperity of cities and metropolitan areas benefits small towns. Studies in Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Washington and Wisconsin have found that urban and suburban centers subsidize rural areas by generating more revenue for states than they receive back in education, infrastructure and other public investments.

Rural communities also tend to have stronger economies when they are similar to or near cities. For instance, “micropolitan areas” — rural communities with small urban centers — have rebounded to near-pre-recession employment levels, and rural communities adjacent to cities fare better than remote counties.