Guiding Vision
As our state enters the 21st century, the Rural Center envisions a rural North Carolina in which:
- Individuals can achieve economic independence by working in jobs that pay livable wages, are safe, and provide opportunities for growth and advancement.
- A strong entrepreneurial spirit is creating growth in all business sectors, allowing both new and existing businesses to flourish.
- Local economies are fully integrated into the global economy through an extensive network of transportation and telecommunications services.
- Rural communities offer a consistently high quality of life for their citizens, including access to excellent public schools and life-long educational opportunities, high quality health care, decent and affordable housing, a clean environment and recreational and cultural activities.
- Through strong local leadership and an active citizenry, rural communities are charting their own futures and effectively implementing sustainable, community-based strategies for economic development.
