The rural center focuses on economic development issues that build economic strength, and develops innovative, practical strategies that prepare rural communities to prosper in the years ahead. Successful, existing collaboratives are being expanded to efficiently and cost effectively coordinate and implement economic development programs. These collaboratives will include state and local government agencies, community economic development organizations, the private sector, and others. The availability of grants is publicly announced and requires a formal application process.
Grant approval is through a competitive evaluation process.
The center is establishing policies and program emphases, developing a clear mission statement and developing short and long-range strategic plans with supporting goals. This compilation of rural best practices from Georgia and around the nation is a living document that will be updated on a regular basis to eliminate outdated practices and add new ones. Other collaborative efforts include a joint project with Georgia Tech's Economic Development Institute to develop a rural Entrepreneurship program to grow our own jobs. Another significant issue in rural Georgia is the Digital Divide, the lack of telecommunications infrastructure and connectivity in rural areas. Information Technology Solutions Center to have them conduct a regional, rural Telecommunications Technology assessment.