Committees
Leadership
Infrastructure
Healthcare/Eldercare
Education/Workforce Development
Community & Economic Development
The implementation of the GRDC’s mission has been carried out through the work of the Council’s committee structure. Over the past several years, the committees have initiated, influenced or taken actions in a variety of ways: from policy development that formed the basis for important legislation, to actual direct involvement in initiatives, such as “Celebrating Rural Georgia” statewide conferences and the “Recommendations for Growing Rural Georgia” report issued in 2005.
A few committee activities in recent years include: Work with Appalachian Community Enterprises and its work in small business financing and opportunities; redevelopment and revitalization through Opportunity Zones and Enterprise Zones; Brownfield identification and redevelopment; collaborative work with the OneGeorgia Authority; BRIDGE [Broadband Rural Initiative to Develop Georgia’s Economy]; ESB [Entrepreneur & Small Business loan guarantee fund]; EDGE [Economic Development, Growth and Expansion]; Equity & SILF [Strategic Industries Loan Fund]; and collaborative work with USDA–Rural Development.
Additionally, the Council has developed a working relationship with the Georgia Health Policy Center; the Georgia Rural Health Association, which is committed to improve the health and healthcare services of rural Georgians. Interest and working relationships have been established with many of Georgia’s Regional Commissions, and specifically with the Southwest Georgia RC, where a variety of initiatives, including eldercare, arts councils, agriculture and nature–based tourism have been undertaken to benefit rural residents.
Collaborative support has been provided for the Georgia WorkReady Initiative that works to ensure Georgia workers have the best skills and training available to guarantee that businesses have the talent they need to succeed. The Council’s Education and Workforce Development interests have coincided with the effort and activities of the Technical College System of Georgia and further development of Career Academies.
In the GRDC’s pursuit to eliminate poverty, Governor Perdue, along with the Council, created the Communities of Opportunity Initiative, in March, 2007. Co-Op is the collaborative, locally–driven community development strategy focused on enhancing the economic vitality of rural Georgia communities.