USDA Program Looks To Launch Prosperity Councils In Rural America

The USDA  is leading meetings and training summits are underway across all 50 states in an effort to develop centers of community prosperity.

"It's not a 'one-size-fits-all,' but it's not a 'one and done' it's an ongoing relationship with communities," said Mike Beaty Director of the Office and Partnerships and Public Engagements.

He said partnerships with a varieties of organizations, including USDA, it's state offices, federal and state agencies, various land grant and educational institutions, community leaders and faith-based organizations, will be instrumental in developing these centers.  He added these local prosperity councils in rural and under served communities will create opportunities such as grants and leadership endowments to address a host of issues.

"The workforce development issue, opioid abuse, substance abuse; those types of things," Beaty added.

And in turn, he noted, that will foster economic development and other forms of opportunity in rural areas.

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