Building Inclusive and Resilient Rural Communities with the 14th Annual Rural Policy Forum
Earlier this month, nearly 220 rural stakeholders, leaders, and advocates convened for the 14th Annual Rural Policy Forum, hosted by the Arizona Rural Development Council (AZRDC). Representatives from all 15 counties traversed the state for the two-day conference in the Sahuarita and the Green Valley area, eager to seek new solutions for building resilient, more inclusive rural economies across Arizona.
“Attending the Rural Policy Forum was the highlight of my year. The passion and energy that exists amongst our rural leaders is tremendous. Thank you for an amazing experience.”
The persistent theme of the Rural Policy Forum across the years continues to be collaboration. Keynote speaker, Matt Dunne focused on identifying unique approaches to support entrepreneurship and innovation in any rural community. Evelyn Casuga, Director of Community & Economic Prosperity for Center for the Future of Arizona, spoke towards identifying the future Arizonans want and providing statewide actions to move Arizona forward in education, healthcare, jobs, and more . Kennedy Ivy, Board President of the San Manuel Revitalization Coalition , focused on sharing the success story of San Manuel, an unincorporated mining town in Eastern Pinal County, that created a thriving, connected community with a robust and engaged volunteer board that serves 150+ community members.
“The forum is essential for rural leader, topics are timely and help rural AZ to maintain its visibility & enhances our contributions to the state as a whole.”
Over 50 local officials, non-profit leaders, and business owners were given platforms to discuss creative solutions to some of the most challenging issues impeding growth in rural Arizona. Topic tracks at this year’s Forum encompassed cultivating local food business; effective business-friendly policy; tools to support entrepreneurship; bed tax best practices and challenges; shaking up workforce strategies; planning for infrastructure improvement in rural; strategies to address affordable rural housing; positive impact through youth engagement; building action-oriented coalitions, and enhancing access to local foods.
Together, these valuable conversations aimed to address the most pressing issues identified throughout the year and introduced templated solutions for leaders to take back to their home communities.
“I learned about so many wonderful programs from around our state that I can share with our community in Mohave County. Thank you Local First AZ! ”
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
The Rural Policy Forum is made possible by the unwavering support of some of the state’s most prominent organizations and institutions:
Sahuarita, Green Valley
The Rural Policy Forum rotates throughout the state to bring traffic, revenue, and exposure to rural communities leading the charge in community development. This year, the Rural Policy Forum had the pleasure of being hosted in the Quail Creek Clubhouse in Green Valley, Arizona. Orchestrated by the wonderful Green Valley Community, they came together to provide a welcoming and authentic experience for attendees - many of which had never been to the area before.
For a select few, the Forum kicked off a day early with an economic development tour of the region; starting at the Town of Sahuarita Council Chambers. Guests explored the impact of the pecan industry with Framers Invest Corporation (FICO) and the Green Valley Pecan Company, including discussion water conservation projects and the value it adds to the orchards. The group also explored La Posada to learn how this senior community has an astounding economic impact to the area annually. Guest finished the tour by visiting one of Arizona’s first state parks: Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Museum that preserves an important piece of heritage. Needless to say, this coveted experience is among the first to sell-out each year, as folks continue to seek inspiration from the innovative development programs of their neighboring regions.
As per tradition, the community also hosted two boot-stomping parties to showcase the flavor of local restaurants. Wednesday night’s Kickoff Party was hosted by Longhorn Grill & Saloon allowing guests to mingle outside this unique restaurant while enjoying live music and sampling local food. Thursday night’s dinner allowed guests to network while they enjoyed scenic views, farm animals, and a delicious Italian buffet at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa.
ARIZONA RURAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
The Arizona Rural Development Council (AZRDC) is Arizona’s official, federally-recognized State Rural Development Council in the National Rural Development Partnership. State Rural Development Councils are composed of the agencies and organizations that play a part in developing the rural areas of their state. As a result, federal, regional, tribal, state, and local governments, along with non-profits and for-profit sectors, all play an important role in the work of each council.