N.C. Rural Economic Development Center

The Rural Center works to develop, promote and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians. We serve the state’s 80 rural counties, with a special focus on individuals with low to moderate incomes and communities with limited resources.

Created in 1987, the center operates a multi-faceted program that serves as the state’s rural policy leader and advocate, develops strategies to bring about economic and social transformation, delivers resources for rural people, businesses and communities, and equips rural leaders to succeed in the 21st century. The center is a private, non-profit organization, funded by both public and private sources and led by a board of directors.