1. Introduction  1

2. A Brief History of the Oil Region  1

2.1. The Birth of an Industry  2

2.2. The Long Goodbye  4

2.3. The Oil Region Today  5

3. Methodology  8

4. Results and Policy Implications  9

4.1. Planning for Diversification Before Decline Can Reduce Risk  9

4.2. Retaining Existing Industries While Attracting New Opportunities Can Build Economic Diversification  11

4.3. Saving Money for the Future Can Support Economic Resilience and Environmental Restoration  12

4.4. Investments in People and Placemaking Can Create Vibrant Communities  13

4.5. State and Federal Support Has Been Beneficial, but Could be More Flexible  14

4.6. A Declining Population Necessitates Collaboration and Shared Governance  17

4.7. A Tale of Three Cities  17

5. Conclusion  20

References  22

Appendix  25