The expansion of the economic base in rural communities is the goal of the Rural Development program, along with providing quality community services at affordable costs. Cooperative Extension offers educational and technical assistance to aid rural leaders in promoting economic development and providing quality community services. The programs include economic and business development, community services, and local government education.
Many rural areas desire to expand their economic base.
This may involve attracting new industry, expanding existing industry, attracting new business, attracting retirees, or increasing recreation opportunities. Whatever the strategy, the Cooperative Extension Service, in conjunction with many other agencies, provides a workshop series to rural leaders. Strategic planning for community economic development is the focus of the workshop. In addition, Extension provides impact, retail sales, and economic base studies. The impact study measures the change which will occur in the economy if there is a change in the economic base, such as a new plant locating in that community.