THE WHITE HOUSE RURAL COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE ORDER
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ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WHITE HOUSE RURAL COUNCIL

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America and in order to enhance Federal engagement with rural communities, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. Sixteen percent of the American population lives in rural counties. Strong, sustainable rural communities are essential to winning the future and ensuring American competitiveness in the years ahead.

These communities supply our food, fiber, and energy, safeguard our natural resources, and are essential in the development of science and innovation. Though rural communities face numerous challenges, they also present enormous economic potential. T

The Federal Government has an important role to play in order to expand access to the capital necessary for economic growth, promote innovation, improve access to health care and education, and expand outdoor recreational activities on public lands.

To enhance the Federal Government's efforts to address the needs of rural America, this order establishes a council to better coordinate Federal programs and maximize the impact of Federal investment to promote economic prosperity and quality of life in our rural communities.

Sec. 4. Mission and Function of the Council.

The Council shall work across executive departments, agencies, and offices to coordinate development of policy recommendations to promote economic prosperity and quality of life in rural America, and shall coordinate my Administration's engagement with rural communities.

The Council shall:

(a) make recommendations to the President, through the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and the Director of the National Economic Council, on streamlining and leveraging
Federal investments in rural areas, where appropriate, to increase the impact of Federal dollars and create economic opportunities to improve the quality of life in rural America;

(b) coordinate and increase the effectiveness of Federal engagement with rural stakeholders, including agricultural organizations, small businesses, education and training institutions, health-care providers, telecommunications services providers, research and land grant institutions, law enforcement, State, local, and tribal governments, and nongovernmental organizations regarding the needs of rural America;

(c) coordinate Federal efforts directed toward the growth and development of geographic regions that encompass both urban and rural areas; and

(d) identify and facilitate rural economic opportunities associated with energy development, outdoor recreation, and other conservation related activities.

In the coming months, the White House Rural Council will focus on job creation and economic development by:

• increasing the flow of capital to rural areas

• promoting innovation

• expanding digital and physical networks

• celebrating opportunity through America’s natural resources

The Council will begin discussing key factors for growth, including:

Jobs: Improve job training and workforce development in rural America

Agriculture: Expand markets for agriculture, including regional food systems and exports

Access to Credit: Increase opportunity by expanding access to capital in rural communities and fostering local investment

Innovation: Promote the expansion of biofuels production capacity and community based renewable energy projects

Networks: Develop high-growth regional economies by capitalizing on inherent regional strengths

Health Care: Improve access to quality health care through expansion of health technology systems

Education: Increase post-secondary enrollment rates and completion for rural students

Broadband: Support the President’s plan to increase broadband opportunities in rural America

Infrastructure: Coordinate investment in critical infrastructure

Ecosystem markets: Expanding opportunities for conservation, outdoor opportunities and economic growth on working lands and public lands