White House Rural Council Established to Strengthen Rural Communities

The White House has announced the establishment of the first White House Rural Council.

The White House Rural Council was established to coordinate programs across government that are designed to encourage public-private partnerships to promote further economic prosperity and quality of life in rural communities nationwide.  Chaired by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the council will be responsible for providing recommendations for investment in rural areas and will coordinate Federal engagement with a variety of rural stakeholders, including state, local, and tribal governments, agricultural organizations, and small businesses.

“Strong rural communities are key to a stronger America,” said President Barack Obama in a prepared statement.  “That’s why I’ve established the White House Rural Council to make sure we’re working across government to strengthen rural communities and promote economic growth.”

In the coming months, the White House Rural Council plans to focus on job creation and economic development by working to increase the flow of capital to rural areas, promoting innovation, expanding digital and physical networks, and celebrating opportunity through America’s natural resources.

The Council also plans to begin discussing key factors for growth, including:

• Jobs: Improve job training and workforce development in rural America,
• Agriculture: Expand markets for agriculture, including regional food systems and exports,
• Access to Credit: Increase opportunity by expanding access to capital in rural communities and fostering local investment,
• Innovation: Promote the expansion of biofuels production capacity and community based renewable energy projects,
• Networks: Develop high-growth regional economies by capitalizing on inherent regional strengths,
• Health Care: Improve access to quality health care through expansion of health technology systems,
• Education: Increase post-secondary enrollment rates and completion for rural students,
• Broadband: Support the President’s plan to increase broadband opportunities in rural America,
• Infrastructure: Coordinate investment in critical infrastructure, and
• Ecosystem markets: Expanding opportunities for conservation, outdoor opportunities and economic growth on working lands and public lands.

To access a copy of the Executive Order establishing the council, please visit:

Executive Order: Establishment of the White House Rural Council (9 JUN 11)