Expanding the use of this technology can increase opportunities, build understanding, and level the playing field for all citizens whether rural or urban residents. The College of Agriculture supports projects such as the Regional Research on Rural Labor Markets in the Global Economy and the evaluation of an Iowa Drainage District Project. The college has extensive programs in the Institute for Social and Behavioral Research that deal with rural development including the Family Resilience to Economic Stress project. The North Central Regional Center for Rural Development is administered through the College of Agriculture. Some of their current projects include Monitoring and Evaluating Outcomes in Rural Communities, Building Collaboration Partnerships with Family System Research and Extension, and Integration of Indigenous Knowledge of Sustainable Agricultural Systems.
Research continues on a number of themes related to rural development.
The college received a grant from a consortium, of state and federal agencies to conduct an inventory of housing, financial, counseling, and information services available to Iowans and create a data-based web site that can be easily accessed. Four faculty members worked with the legislative committee on urban sprawl and farmland preservation. The enabling legislation required a member to be appointed through the College's Department of Community and Regional Planning to serve on this committee. The College of Veterinary Medicine is actively using the ICN to provide continuing education and problem solving for Iowa Veterinarians and animal owners. This program involves weekly interactive educational programs provided by students and faculty.