Rural Futures

Approximately 44 of New York’s 62 counties are designated as rural, and that's why the State Legislature saw fit to create one of our longest-standing commissions 30 years ago this year.

It's called the Legislative Commission on the Development of Rural Resources, and over the past three decades, it's been respected as voice for rural New York at the Capitol.

The Commission has worked on a range of issues including agriculture, economic development, universal broadband, education, land use, transportation, local government structure and functions, volunteer recruitment and retention, and health care.  The achievements we've helped guide have had a positive impact on many of the short- and long-term challenges facing our rural regions including the impact of rural communities and industries on the state economy; examining existing state laws and regulations affecting rural regions; assessing the effectiveness of state programs and services to address the needs and problems of rural areas; and developing recommendations for the Legislature to enhance and protect New York’s rural resources. 

Read the Fall 2012 edition of the Commission's publication Rural Futures.