Idaho grows stronger when rural communities thrive.
Rural communities are essential to Idaho’s economy and way of life. Idaho Commerce’s Rural Services team works directly with local leaders, connecting them with the expertise, resources and partners needed to turn local priorities into progress.
From broadband expansion to infrastructure readiness and economic development planning, we connect counties, regions and industries so rural communities never have to solve challenges alone.
We champion rural communities by delivering resources that strengthen essential services, from water infrastructure to senior centers. Our team and Rural ED Pros reach all corners of the state, ensuring every region has the support, tools and resources needed.
Find Rural Resources That Help You Go Beyond.
44 Go!
44 Go! a partnership between the State of Idaho, institutions of higher learning, local governments and community and economic development stakeholders to leverage resources and coordinate planning efforts.
Idaho Rural Partnership (IRP)
Rural Services serves as the point of contact and helps IRP carry out its statutory functions as codified in Idaho Code aka the Idaho Rural Development Partnership Act (Title 67- Chapter 90).
Private Activity Bonds (PAB)
Rural Services manages the State of Idaho’s allocation of PAB. Each calendar year, the U.S. Department of Treasury allocates each state an amount of tax-exempt bonds that may be issued for privately funded activities like affordable housing and manufacturing facility projects. Click the link above to learn more.
Idaho Rural Success Summit
Rural Services hosts the Idaho Rural Success Summit. This annual event brings together a variety of stakeholders from local, state, and federal government, tribes and non-profit organizations that provide community and economic development services in Idaho to share stories of rural success. Click the link above to learn more.
Rural Economic Development Professionals Program
Rural communities can tap into the Idaho Rural Economic Development Professionals grant program (Rural ED Pro) which awards grants, in tandem with local funding, to hire full-time economic development professionals.Click the link to learn more.
Northwest Community Development Institute (NWCDI)
Rural Services in partnership with Business Oregon conducts the Northwest Community Development Institute (NWCDI) an intensive and invigorating four-and-a-half-day training program designed for economic development professionals, community leaders and elected officials. Click the link above to learn more.
Grants
Rural Services manages two of Commerce’s rural facing grant programs, the Idaho Gem Grant Program and the Rural Idaho Economic Development Professionals Grant Program. Click the link above to learn more.
Disaster Recovery
Rural Services represents Commerce on the Idaho Office of Emergency Management’s (IOEM) All Hazard Mitigation Working Group. Additionally, we assist IOEM in securing assistance for businesses impacted by natural disasters e.g. fire, floods, earthquakes, land slides etc.Click the link to learn more.
Idaho Rural Impact Strategy
Rural Services will take the lead promoting and implementing the Idaho Rural Impact Strategy. Created through the auspices of a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce – Economic Development Administration and with help from the consulting firm TIP Strategies, the Strategy outlines opportunities for sector-based development, job growth, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and placemaking. Click the link to learn more.
Idaho Main Street Program
Rural Services is responsible for the Idaho Main Street Program and its affiliation with Main Street America aka the National Main Street Program. Click the link to learn more.
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