 The first potash mine in Manitoba has been proposed for a site just southwest of Russell, but due to the greater depth of the potash and higher taxes versus Saskatchewan, progress has been stalled for the last 20 years.Russell and the surrounding rural municipalities are promoting tourism through the Asessippi Parkland Economic Development Corp.

A semi-major service centre for the regional agricultural communities, Russell provides educational facilities ranging from day care and nursery, to post-secondary facilities.Russell is part of the Park West School Division.