WRDC is pleased to announce four new faces joining us to support our research efforts. We welcome Post Doctoral research fellows Richard Acquah-Sarpong, Shengrong Hu, and Federico Ninivaggi; as well as visiting scholar Tatiane Almeida de Menezes.
The Western Region Household Survey Report presents index measures that synthesize multiple survey questions from the WR-Stat: Baseline Survey 2024, a comprehensive household survey conducted across the thirteen states in the Western United States , into meaningful indicators of household and community well-being.
WRDC researchers Nadeeka Weerasekara, Paul Lewin and Monica Fisher have published a new article on their study examining how family health influences the financial success of entrepreneurs.
Colleges increasingly emphasize internships, career counseling, and work-based learning as essential steps in preparing students for the transition from college to employment. A growing body of research shows that students who take part in these activities experience better hiring outcomes and stronger early-career earnings.
In early April, the Western Rural Development Center (WRDC) convened land-grant faculty, Extension professionals, and applied researchers for the WRDC Community Development Workshop in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.
CDI West offers training in the essentials of creating healthy communities and economies – critical to survive and thrive in a time of shifting funding, policies and priorities. The Rural West needs increased local capacity, civic engagement and leadership development; new revenue and cooperative models; strong civic institutions; and a sense of shared responsibility and local ownership—all strategies covered at CDI West.
WRDC Extension Program Manager, Amber Smyer, participated in the Growing East Helena: Your Thoughts, Your Community event, a community review process conducted March 9-11, 2026, in partnership with the Western Community Assessment Network (WeCAN), the Montana Economic Developers Association, and the Montana Business Assistance Connection.
Since relocating to the University of Idaho Water Center, the Western Rural Development Center (WRDC) has expanded its work across the region through presentations, partnerships, and community-based initiatives.
With data-driven insights, innovative programs, and real-world impact stories, the Western Rural Development Center’s 2025 Annual Report offers a comprehensive look at how WRDC leverages partnerships, research, and Extension to support resilient and thriving rural communities across the western United States.
Join us to talk about how we understand and demonstrate the impact of investing in outdoor recreation.