Mission: To develop strategies to help improve employment opportunities, incomes and the well-being of rural communities in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Rural Development Council is a voluntary partnership organization formed by the State of CT and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture in 1994. It has representatives of local, state and federal government, regional organizations, non-profits as well as private sector and tribal partners. The Council provides coordination among its member organizations in order to help preserve the rich heritage and unique physical, economic and social qualities of life in rural Connecticut.

The CT Council is linked to similar organizations in other states through the National Rural Development Partnership office in Washington, DC, and through a National Rural Development Council comprised of federal agency representatives. These linkages provide direct access to important federal initiatives which may have technical assistance and financial programs available to Connecticut.

Funding to support the Council's annual operating budget is provided by the federal government, administered by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and by local in-kind services provided by the State of Connecticut through the Northwestern CT Community-Technical College. The Council has a full-time executive director who coordinates activities among member partners. Through the collective contribution of expertise and resources of partner organizations, the Council seeks to enhance services to rural communities in ways that may not otherwise be available.

Council meetings are open to the public and rotate around the state. Elected officials and town leaders are invited to attend the meeting in their region and discuss issues facing their communities with the Council. Council members seek to identify resources available to communities. The Council publishes the Connecticut Rural Resources Directory to assist towns in identifying sources of assistance in areas such as economic development, environmental protection, human and social services and more.

To receive notices of meetings or additional information, please call or use our contact form.