Rural Connections Blog

  • Image of lake in Silver Springs, Nevada

    Uplifting rural voices with the Sierra Region Community Network

    The Sierra Community Network, hosted by Northern Nevada Development Authority (NNDA) consists of two counties, Lyon and Mineral, in the Northwestern Region of Nevada’s high desert. Strong mining communities, both rail and mining played a role in the growth of these communities many years ago. In fact, the first transcontinental railroad, the Central Pacific, ran through Lyon County though the route has since shifted.

    • Community Development
    • Economic & Business Development
  • WV Mountain Range Skyline

    Instilling hope and opportunity in the Southern West Virginia Community Network

    The Southern West Virginia Community Network, hosted by the West Virginia Community Development Hub (The Hub), consists of the 12 southernmost counties of the Mountain State. The counties of Boone, Fayette, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming are steeped in pride and southern tradition and long associated with blue collar jobs in extractive industries. The coal industry dominated the region for more than a century with mining operations in all 12 counties. The combination of the coal and strong timber industry led to the expansion and development of the railroads. Downturns in the coal and timber industries, resource depletion, and shifting energy concerns diminished the prosperity and created a persistent cycle of poverty.

    • Community Development
    • Economic & Business Development
  • Pershing County Nevada

    The Nevada 95-80 Community Network works with RPN to drive economic development

    Humboldt and Pershing Counties are in the high desert region of northern Nevada, an agricultural and mining region rich in history, beautiful landscapes, and close-knit communities. The city of Lovelock in Pershing County and Winnemucca in Humboldt County are northeast of Reno along the I-80 corridor. Winnemucca has been regarded as the friendliest town in Nevada, and Lovelock is Nevada’s love-locking locale. Known for its beautiful open spaces and sprawling sand dunes, the area is home to outdoor enthusiasts and a prime area for fishing and hunting.

    • Community Development
    • Economic & Business Development
  • photo of training

    La Red de Socios Rurales apoya al pequeño comerciante de Guánica en el evento “Guánica Emprende”

    El 26 de abril de 2023 el Programa de Red de Socios Rurales de USDA (por sus siglas RPN en inglés) celebró el primer evento comunitario para la Red Comunitaria del Suroeste. Conjunto al Municipio de Guánica, el equipo de RPN convocó diversos recursos (tanto agencias federales como organizaciones sin fin de lucro) para brindar información valiosa a emprendedores y futuros emprendedores del Municipio. En adición varios pequeños comerciantes tuvieron la oportunidad de exponer y vender sus productos y servicios. 

    • Community Development
    • Education
    • Employment & Career Development
  • Laughlin Aerial View

    RPN works to rejuvenate Southern Clark County

    Southern Clark County Community Network is in Clark County, Nevada. The network is made up of three towns ranging in distances of 50 to 90 miles south of Hoover Dam. The towns of Searchlight, Cal-Nev-Ari, and Laughlin all have access to both the Lake Mead Recreational Area and the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument. The total population of the towns combined is approximately 8,530 residents, with Laughlin accounting for 8,000 residents alone. 

    • Community Development
    • Economic & Business Development
    • Infrastructure