Suzanne Angell, Executive Director and Babara Reddick, Deputy Director participated in the Rural Partners Network Georgia Community Partner Forum held Thursday, August 15 at Ft. Valley State University Agriculture Technology Center.

Ms. Angell moderated a panel discussion on Housing Development and Ms. Reddick served on a panel on getting grant applications ready. Through the Rural Partners Network (RPN), the Biden-Harris administration is taking action to transform the way the federal government partners with rural communities to spur inclusive, sustainable economic growth. The RPN creates an alliance of federal and state agencies, and civic partners working to expand rural prosperity though job creation, infrastructure development and community development.

The RPN will improve equitable access to federal programs and funding and help drive local economic growth and development. Currently, there are designated Rural Partner Networks (RPN) extending across ten states and one territory. This event convened a diverse group of stakeholders, community leaders, and business professionals, all dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in rural Georgia. USDA Rural Development (RD)Under Secretary Basil I Gooden, USDA Rural Development Director of State Operations Diedre Deculus Robert, White House Director of Strategic Engagement Will McIntee, Chief of Staff GA Congressional District 2 Kenneth Cutts, and USDA RD GA State Director Reggie Taylor were among the key speakers. Staff representatives from Congressman Bishop, Senator Ossoff and Senator Warnock’s office were also in attendance.

Under Secretary Gooden also held a press release the same morning to announce $49 million was awarded to help provide 50+ rural communities with access to capital and resources. All in all, it was a great event, bringing funders, advocates, national leadership, state leadership, local leadership, stakeholders and community organizations together in an effort to make rural communities in GA the best they can be!