Dr. Kristin Smith (Kris) is passionate about working on the ground with communities and conducting research to inform policy. From her doctoral research to her nonprofit experience, Kris’ work addresses the root causes of challenges faced by rural communities. Kris is known at Headwaters Economics for her skills in partnership building, her drive to understand issues deeply, and her enthusiasm for sharing knowledge.
As part of Headwaters Economics’ FloodWise Community Assistance team, Kris works with local government staff and elected officials, state and federal agency personnel, engineers, and other technical experts to help communities reduce flood risk. Community partners look to Kris for help navigating technical hurdles, connecting people, and promoting solutions that balance community goals.
Kris has also made significant research contributions on the topic of energy development. Her work on the social impacts of energy development has been quoted in publications in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Texas and published in the Journal of Rural and Community Development, Energy Research & Social Science, and other peer-reviewed journals.
Kris serves as a technical contributor to the Northern Great Plains Chapter of the National Climate Assessment and is a review panelist for the USDA AFRI Rural and Economic Development program and the NOAA Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments program. She regularly presents her work on topics related to rural opportunities and challenges, equity and funding, and the fiscal dimensions of climate adaptation and the energy transition.
Kris grew up in a small town in southeastern Missouri and is committed to conducting and translating research into practical strategies to help rural communities thrive. Her academic degrees in community development, applied economics, and geography have provided a foundation for her work on many aspects of rural development. From strengthening agriculture and food systems to leveraging revenue from energy development to creating resilience in the face of climate-driven hazards, the common thread is Kris’ steadfast commitment to helping communities build on their strengths for long-term success.
Projects that prepare communities to resist wildfire and flooding can save money in the long run, but they can be hard to finance upfront. Headwaters Economics has created two guides to help local leaders identify sustained funding strategies for resilience projects.
Jun 2026
Kris Smith is just back from 2026 Montana Rural Summit in Townsend where about 150 funders, elected officials, and service providers gathered to discuss the state of rural Montana. Kris…
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Feb 2026
Patty was at the Association of Montana Floodplain Managers annual meeting yesterday in Great Falls where she accepted the Floodplain Program Ambassador award in recognition of the work Kris, Bridget, and…
More than 68,000 abandoned or inactive mines in areas with high flood risk endanger people and places across the U.S.
Seventy percent of rural communities with high economic output are losing population, but rural leaders can use Community Benefit Agreements to ensure development leads to lasting local value.