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The following U.S. government departments and agencies are dedicated to rural issues or have nationwide missions that are highly impactful for rural America.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development partnership entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
DRA envisions its eight-state region as a place where people and businesses have access to economic opportunities in vibrant, sustainable and resilient communities. DRA’s mission is to realize that vision through the practical application of innovative ideas and strategies that will foster inclusive communities; strengthen regional collaboration and productive capacity; achieve sustained, long-term economic development; and produce meaningful opportunities for all people in the DRA region.
We provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.
Our vision is to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve our Nation's natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands.
USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) provides financing for much needed infrastructure improvements to rural communities. These include water and waste treatment, electric power, telecommunication and broadband services. This investment helps expand economic opportunities, reduce utility costs to consumers, and improve the quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and rural families.
Farm Service Agency is equitably serving all farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs for all Americans.
The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services.
The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) has coordinated activities related to rural health care within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for over 30 years. Part of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), FORHP has department-wide responsibility for analyzing the possible effects of policy on the 61 million residents of rural communities and provides grant funding at the state and local levels to increase access to high quality health care.
CMS is the federal agency that provides health coverage to more than 160 million through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. CMS works in partnership with the entire health care community to improve quality, equity and outcomes in the health care system.
The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island Communities.
We maintain government-to-government relationships with Indian tribes, and facilitate support for tribal people and tribal governments. We promote safe and quality living environments, strong communities, self sufficient and individual rights, while enhancing protection of the lives, prosperity and well being of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) investments help to establish a foundation for long-term job growth and build durable regional economies throughout the United States. This foundation builds upon two key economic drivers - innovation and regional collaboration. Innovation is key to global competitiveness, new and better jobs, a strong economy, and the attainment of national economic goals. Regional collaboration is essential for economic recovery.
The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment.
The Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OARA) serves as the primary liaison between rural and agricultural stakeholders and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). OARA maintains close contact with EPA’s program offices and regions to forge practical, science-based solutions that protect the environment while ensuring a vibrant and productive agricultural system.
The Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED) Program supports capacity building at the state and local level for rural housing and economic development and innovative housing and economic development activities in rural areas. The RHED Program is authorized by the Departments of Veteran's Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act of 1999 (Pub. L. 105-276). The Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development in HUD's Office of Community Planning and Development administers the program.
The Office of Rural Health (ORH) implements a diverse range of programs that help improve the health and well-being of rural Veterans by increasing their access to care and services. These national programs stem from the Office's model to "research, innovate, and disseminate" new innovations to support the 2.7 million rural Veterans who are enrolled in and rely on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system.
To ensure our nation has the safest, most efficient and modern transportation system in the world; that improves the quality of life for all American people and communities, from rural to urban, and increases the productivity and competitiveness of American workers and businesses.
To foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps Americans start, grow, and build resilient businesses. SBA was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns; preserve free competitive enterprise; and maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. SBA reviews Congressional legislation and testifies on behalf of small businesses. It assesses the impact of regulatory burden on small businesses.
The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications law and regulations.
The mission of the Department of Education (ED) is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access for students of all ages. Learn more about our mission, offices within ED, key initiatives, and more.
