Governor Proclaims Rural Week 2024

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina comprises 100 counties, 78 of which are rural, encompassing 3.6 million rural residents; 85 percent of North Carolina municipalities have fewer than 10,000 residents, and 60 percent of North Carolina municipalities have fewer than 2,500 residents; and

WHEREAS, opportunities to stabilize and transform rural health, expand accessibility to affordable high-speed broadband, revitalize water and wastewater infrastructure, and invest in stronger entrepreneurship and small-business development systems are essential to our great state's national and global economic competitiveness and the future health and well-being of our state's rural residents; and

WHEREAS, our rural communities deserve the opportunity and support to educate their children, live better and healthier lives, launch their small business dreams, and live in safe, supportive, and welcoming communities; and

WHEREAS, a strong rural workforce and innovative spirit have historically been the economic catalyst that has driven our state's growth and will be necessary to build more vibrant, thriving, and equitable state and local economies in the future; and

WHEREAS, recognizing the importance of bridging the urban-rural divide, Governor Roy Cooper’s administration created the Hometown Strong initiative to better connect the resources of state government to North Carolina’s rural communities; and

WHEREAS, today and every day, we recognize, celebrate, and honor the resilience, beauty, hospitality, and promise of rural North Carolina and the people who call it home;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 20 – 21, 2024, as “RURAL WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.