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 coordinates the Administration’s efforts in rural America by performing three core functions:

1. Streamlining and improving 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.
2. Engaging stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, and local citizens, on issues and solutions in rural communities. The Rural Council is creating and coordinating opportunities for direct dialogue between the Administration and Rural America.
3. Promoting and coordinating private-sector partnerships. The Rural Council is finding new ways for the government to partner with private organizations in solving shared problems, and developing new, innovative models of partnership.

Objectives:

The White House Rural Council focuses on job creation and economic development by focusing on the following four key areas:

1. Opportunity: Increasing the flow of capital to rural areas, job creation, and workforce development
2. Innovation: Including the expansion of telecommunications, renewable energy, and new markets for rural communities
3. Quality of Life: Including increased access to quality health care, education, and housing, and particularly in persistent poverty counties and tribal areas
4. Conservation: Including expansion of outdoor opportunities and economic growth