There is much to do, and we've been busy doing it.
The Center focuses on those initiatives most important to Virginia's citizens. As a grassroots organization, we can respond to changing priorities quickly and efficiently. Whatever the issue, our overriding goal is to assemble good information, facilitate debate and build a consensus at the local level to create coordinated policy and economic action.
Data exist that quantify what's needed, where and to what extent. Analysis and research are ongoing, continually fine-tuning what we already know. It is our job to ensure that this research doesn't remain on a shelf but becomes the basis for beneficial policy-making.
Easy to say, hard to do.
That's why The Center has been pulling together all the various stakeholders—from grassroots to government, from Washington County to Washington, DC—to speak with
a single voice. A voice that will be heard, so that we may together work to empower
local governments and the private sector to work together to solve problems.
The issues facing rural Virginia face all of Virginia.
As resources—the younger, better-educated residents who leave for urban jobs,
for instance—are drained from rural areas, they create an increasing burden on
non-rural areas.
It is the intent of the Center to help localities create alternative opportunities for a work force that allows citizens to remain a productive part of their rural communities while maintaining the quality of life they prefer. The Center will report annually to the Governor, the General Assembly and USDA concerning the status of projects, any additional needs and annual accomplishments.
