The Partnership operates by principles which promote collaboration, innovation, diversity, and community-based priorities. Its chief goals are to identify opportunities and impediments for rural development, and to build dynamic partnerships to act on them. The partnerships built and resources pooled result in greater effectiveness and efficiency in the various levels of government, as well as the increased participation of the private sector in affecting public policy.
Membership is voluntary and functions include education and professional development.
The Partnership builds projects and action plans through its partner members, but it is not an allocator of resources. Together, through collaborative working groups, the partners provide consultation on the development of sound public policy, and on the administration and regulation of laws. The Partnership is not a lobbying organization. The Partnership is administered by a 16-member Board of Directors which meets several times per year. Elections are held at the annual meeting each summer.