For decades, government has tried to address rural needs. But the patchwork of policies and programs weren’t making a significant difference. In 1990, the federal government, in partnership with the National Governors’ Association, began a new rural initiative, "National Initiative on Rural America." Eight states agreed to test the idea of a collaborative approach to solve rural problems by forming state rural development councils. Now, Minnesota joins 38 other states in partnership with the federal government "to contribute to the vitality of the Nation by strengthening the ability of all rural Americans to participate in determining their future."

Governor Arne Carlson and Agricultural Secretary Mike Epsy signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the State of Minnesota and the federal government in November of 1994 to support the establishment of Minnesota Rural Partners, the state’s rural development council. Minnesota Rural Partners (MRP) has membership representing federal, state, local and tribal governments and the education, private and nonprofit sectors.

Members have come together to develop a new relationship and a renewed vision for rural Minnesota. Minnesota Rural Partners has no monies to distribute nor programs to administer. Through an information-based, learning-while-doing approach, MRP addresses complex rural problems in a new, more effective manner by:

• building crucial inter- and intra governmental relationships
• promoting strategic development
• making better use of existing resources
• intervening in a problem-solving role
• addressing regulatory and administrative impediments
• representing a new model of governance

Guiding Principles

• Sustainable Communities
• Public and Private Collaboration
• Action Oriented
• Inclusive Quality Environment
• Viable Economy

Minnesota Rural Partners operates under several principles which may be described by some as "new governance." These principles reflect shared values which we believe create a network which is much greater than the sum of its parts. These values include open-mindedness, non-partisanship, civil behavior, collaboration, respect for each individual and community, innovation, diversity, the elevation of local priorities, standards of simplicity and common sense. The methodology used is the building of public/private partnerships, the provision of neutral forums for issue identification, dialogue and resolution, and decision-making by consensus

Roles

The MRP’s primary role is to build partnerships vertically and horizontally across levels of government and with the private sector, both for profit and nonprofit. The partnerships built and resources pooled result in greater effectiveness and efficiency in the various levels of government, as well as the increased participation of the private sector in affecting public policy. Minnesota Rural Partners provides consultation on the development of sound public policy and the administration and regulation of laws, but it is not a lobbying organization; its chief goals are to identify opportunities for, and impediments to, rural quality of life. Major issues identified by the MRP board are: Telecommunications, Health Care, Value Added Industries, Job-specific Skill Training, Housing and Rural Poverty. In each of these issue areas, Minnesota Rural Partners will be identifying and acting on three main factors: 1) availability and accessibility of technical and financial resources 2) regulations that prove cumbersome and impede community development and 3) opportunities for public participation and debate surrounding these complex rural issues.

The MRP Board meets six times a year at various locations around Minnesota. Each meeting is designed to provide partners with information about a particular region of the state and the issues of that region. Opportunities are provided to meet community leaders and local citizens. An annual meeting is scheduled in the fall of the year. All meetings are open and are published in the MRP newsletter, The Rural Roundup.

About MRP Inc.

In 1999, Minnesota Rural Partners created Minnesota Rural Partners, Inc, a separate 501(c)(3) designated, non-profit organization. MRP, Inc. is essentially a mechanism for Minnesota Rural Partners to take on projects that benefit rural communities and pass through project dollars into rural communities. MRP, Inc. makes possible the implementation of projects and planning through private and other contributions that couldn't be possible through a federally funded organization.