Promotional banner for Western Rural Development Center showing colorful hot air balloons floating over a river with boats and rural landscape on the left side, and the WRDC logo with text 'WESTERN RURAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER' and 'ELEVATING RURAL ECONOMIES SINCE 1972' on a black background on the right side.

At the Western Rural Development Center, we believe in the limitless potential of rural communities to lead and thrive. We’re here for you and your community. We know the unique challenges rural areas face and believe in your ability to overcome them and thrive. Whether you’re a farmer, entrepreneur, or community leader, we partner to turn challenges into opportunities. With Western land grant universities and local organizations, we’re creating real, lasting change to help your community grow stronger, more resilient, and ready for the future. Your success is our mission, and we’re with you every step of the way. Together, we’re cultivating a stronger, more vibrant rural America.

OUR PRIORITIES

little village near a lake. Green moutains stretch far in the background

Advancing the Social and Economic Impact of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Systems

Snowy mountains from the background are reflected in a very clear lake in the forefront of the image. It is sunny.

Improving the Social and Economic Impact of Natural Resource Sustainability

overhanging view of a fair and tents in the street of a little town. The street is surrounded by trees.

Promoting Community and Family Development and Health

RECENT NEWS & EVENTS

  • WRDC presents at RMLUI Conference “the Aging West”
    Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute (RMLUI) conference ‘The Aging West’ Starts March 5th 2025, 8:30am MountainEnds March 7th 2025, 4:45pm MountainWhere…
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  • Webinar: An Introduction to the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS): Resources for Understanding Older Adult Rural Health
    Webinar: An Introduction to the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS): Resources for Understanding Older Adult Rural Health Thursday, January 30, 2025 12 noon – 1pm Central
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  • U of I at the center of rural Community Support
    Dear Vandals, As Idaho’s land-grant institution, the University of Idaho focuses on student access and sharing research through…
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