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What is Rural Development? According to the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development agency, they define rural development this way:
"Rural development is the improvement in overall rural community conditions, including economic and other quality of life considerations such as the environment, health, infrastructure, and housing."
USDA Rural Development Website - USDA Rural Development has a $115 billion portfolio of loans and will administer $20 billion in loans, loan guarantees and grants through our programs in the current fiscal year. We achieve our mission by helping rural individuals, communities and businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs.
USDA Rural Development Michigan Office - In 2009, the Michigan branch of the USDA's Rural Development agency helped 7,853 Michigan families purchase homes; provided rental assistance for 7,554 housing units; funded 32 energy efficiency projects; provided financial assistance for 162 community facility projects; and financed sewer or water projects that helped 55,818 rural residents.
- Additional details can be found in their FY 2009 Annual Report
Michigan Ineligible Area Maps
What is Rural? - Many people have definitions for the term rural, but seldom are these rural definitions in agreement. For some, rural is a subjective state of mind. For others, rural is an objective quantitative measure.
National Conference of State Legislatures: Agriculture and Rural Development
CARD: Center for Agricultural and Rural Development - Iowa State University
Center for Rural Development
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