About the Council
To address challenges in Rural America, build on the Administration’s rural economic strategy, and improve the implementation of that strategy, the President signed an Executive Order establishing the White House Rural Council.
The Council will coordinate the Administration’s efforts in rural America by performing three core functions. It will:
- Streamline and improve the effectiveness of Federal programs serving rural America. Through smarter government we can do even more to improve outcomes and lower costs for the American taxpayer.
- Engage stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, and local citizens, on issues and solutions in rural communities. The Rural Council will create and coordinate opportunities for direct dialogue between the Administration and Rural America.
- Promote and coordinate private-sector partnerships. The Rural Council will find new ways for the government to partner with private organizations in solving shared problems, and develop new, innovative models of partnership.
Objectives:
The White House Rural Council will focus on job creation and economic development by focusing on the following four key areas:
- Opportunity: Increasing the flow of capital to rural areas, job creation, and workforce development
- Innovation: Including the expansion of telecommunications, renewable energy and new markets for rural communities
- Quality of Life: Including increased access to quality health care, education, and housing, and particularly in persistent poverty counties and tribal areas.
- Conservation: Including expansion of outdoor opportunities and economic growth.
Related Blog Posts
- July 30, 2012 at 10:00 AM EDT
Making Federal Resources More Accessible for Rural Communities
The HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities and USDA release the Federal Resources for Sustainable Rural Communities guide to programs from the four agencies that rural communities can use to promote economic competitiveness, protect healthy environments, and enhance quality of life.
- July 17, 2012 at 4:34 PM EDT
Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food - Across the United States
Today, the White House hosted a Google+ Hangout with Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan and women leaders around the country to highlight efforts to strengthen local and regional food systems.
- July 17, 2012 at 10:30 AM EDT
White House Champions in the Fight Against Youth Homelessness, Let's Move Olympics, Google Hangout on Local Foods
The White House honors thirteen Champions of Change who are combating youth homelessness in their communities. The First Lady Michelle Obama is calling on families around the country to support Team USA by getting active in their own communities. The White House joins USDA and inspiring women leaders in the field of local foods through a Google+ Hangout to hear their stories and answer your questions.
