Exploring the resilience adaptive capacities of rural municipal governments: Lessons from Maine, USA, during COVID-19

We explored the adaptive capacities of rural municipal governments in Maine, USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. We interviewed staff from 20 municipalities representing a range of geographic and governance characteristics. Municipalities demonstrated limited economic development capacity. They were able to develop new information and communication strategies, yet struggled to reach all their residents. Rural governments demonstrated high community competence capacity, working together to address challenges and develop new innovations. Social capital emerged as a key capacity with many types of connections facilitating the response to COVID-19. When examining the interconnectedness of adaptive capacities, social capital was found to compensate for other, weaker capacities in rural areas. We also identified an emergent theme, in which community pride fueled local morale. We conclude that local context matters not only in how adaptive capacities operate, but also when striving to strengthen community resilience.