Obama forms White House Rural Council to build rural jobs, credit, innovation

In Washington, President Obama announced the formation of the White House Rural Council, to coordinate programs across government 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 agricultural organizations, small businesses, and state, local, and tribal governments.  The Council will 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
— Ecosystem markets: Expanding opportunities for conservation, outdoor opportunities and economic growth on working lands and public lands