Click the links below to view news about the Center.

• Finstad named executive director

• Center board approves new strategic plan


Broadband Use Explodes Statewide, But Adoption in Rural Minnesota Still Inconsistent
Center for Rural Policy and Development Minnesota Internet Survey Measures Broadband Adoption and Use

SAINT PETER, Minn. — Comprehensive research conducted by the Center for Rural Policy and Development has found that broadband adoption and use has exploded throughout Minnesota since the organization first began studying the technology in 2001. Click link below for the full news release.

• Broadband use explodes statewide, but adoption in rural Minnesota still inconsistent


Center for Rural Policy and Development Releases Latest Issue of Rural Minnesota Journal
“A Letter to the Next Governor of Minnesota” is introduced at Farmfest 2010 in Redwood County

ST. PETER, Minn. — The Center for Rural Policy and Development is pleased to announce the latest issue of Rural Minnesota Journal is now available for download at www.RuralMN.org. Click below for the full news release.

• Center for Rural Policy and Development releases latest issue of Rural Minnesota Journal

• Center for Rural Policy and Development introduces latest issue of Rural Minnesota Journal at Farmfest 2010


Early Results of Partnership for Regional Competitiveness Energize Southern Minnesota
Impact of 38-county Southern Minnesota initiative in its first year were highlighted at Minnesota State University-Mankato event on June 21

MANKATO, Minn. — The Partnership for Regional Competitiveness-Southern Minnesota hosted an event at Minnesota State University-Mankato on Monday, June 21 to showcase the results of its work over the past 12 months and discuss plans for the future. Click below for the full news release.

• Early results of Partnership for Regional Competitiveness energize Southern Minnesota


The Agriculture and Forestry Issue: Looking to the Future

The Center for Rural Policy and Development is pleased to announce the release of the latest issue of the award-winning Rural Minnesota Journal. In this issue, authors and experts from around the state discuss the future of two of Minnesota’s significant industries, farming and forestry. Click here to view and download articles.


Research shows high gas prices hurt rural Minnesotans more

Research conducted for the Center for Rural Policy and Development found that rural Minnesota families spend on average 20 percent more on gasoline than Twin Cities families, regardless of the cost of gas. Click here for the full report and other publications.


Center designated coordinator of Southern Minnesota Regional Competitiveness Project

The Center for Rural Policy & Development is pleased to be acting as the coordinator for the Southern Minnesota Regional Competitiveness Project and its Opportunity Roundtable, and exciting new economic development project bringing together private, public and non-profit to capitalize on the region’s strengths to develop new economic opportunities. For more information, click here.


Download major new study on K-12 education

Our latest report on K-12 education in rural Minnesota is the culmination of nine months of work by researchers from the Wilder Foundation, the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. These teams looked at what sets rural districts apart and the strategies available to help them maintain their quality of education in these tough times. To find out more, click here.