The 2007 Rural Economic and Health Vitality Policy Agenda is the latest product of our Rural Economic Vitality Project, an ongoing collaboration with Governor  Schwarzenegger’s Cabinet, in partnership with legislative, regional and statewide leaders.  It is sponsored by The California Endowment and the Humboldt Area Foundation, through its partnership with Redwood Coast Rural Action, in recognition of the fundamental relationship between a strong economy and improved health outcomes for people and communities throughout California.

The Agenda was developed in consultation with a diverse group of more than sixty state and regional leaders, and assessment of legislative and policy initiatives.  The Agenda identifies current leverage opportunities for the immediate and long-term interests of California’s rural regions.  These opportunities include the historic $42.7 Billion in voter-approved infrastructure bonds, which will support California’s regions as they prepare for the future, dealing with major demographic, cultural and economic changes and new demands in areas such as climate change. The bonds will begin to address long-standing infrastructure deficiencies throughout the State, especially California’s disproportionately neglected rural regions.  This is critical as Rural California is on the front line of California’s growth, and needs the planning tools, capacity and systems to manage this growth in a sustainable way.

The Agenda is opportunity-driven, seeking to leverage the many diverse assets of Rural California to enhance California’s global economic competitiveness and provide a high quality of life for current and future generations.  In addition to the infrastructure investments, the Agenda’s recommendations address opportunities for deploying ubiquitous high-speed broadband access; building a “talent workforce” through education and workforce development, including career technical education linked to growing industry clusters; and building an “innovation” economy, investing in value-based assets and high-potential growth firms, including renewable energies and clean technologies where Rural California can have a competitive advantage.

There have been many significant outcomes of the Economic Vitality Project to date, and CCRL is continuing to advance the implementation of the recommendations of the Agenda with the Cabinet and our regional and state partners.  We are especially grateful for the leadership of Secretary Victoria Bradshaw, Labor and Workforce Development Agency, Secretary Michael Chrisman, Resources Agency, Secretary A.G. Kawamura, California Department of Food and Ag, (former) Secretary Sunne Wright McPeak, (Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, and Assemblymember Juan Arambula, Chair of the Assembly, Jobs, Economy and Economic Development Committee.

To download the full 2007 Rural Economic and Health Vitality Policy Agenda report
To download the summary 2007 Rural Economic and Health Vitality Policy Agenda report
For information on the Rural Economic Vitality Project
To download the 2005 Economic Action Agenda for Rural California report