Gov. Burgum introduced the themes and policy issues to be explored through his Chairman’s Initiative. Diverse panelists discussed the range of experiences and challenges encountered in the rural West, and shared ideas for building vibrant rural communities focusing on the Initiative’s three pillars, which are:

• Opportunity: Exploring policies and strategies to leverage the West’s strengths in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and tourism/outdoor recreation in a rapidly changing economy. 
• Connectivity: Developing policy solutions for the rural West’s infrastructure challenges, particularly the deployment of broadband, to expand opportunity for rural communities.
• Community: Identifying strategies to ensure rural areas have access to all elements of a strong community, including health care, affordable housing, quality education, and local leadership, among many others.  

Panelists included: Matthew Rantanen, Director of Technology, Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association; Robin Brown, Executive Director, Grand Junction Economic Partnership; and Joe Willauer, Executive Director, Butte Local Development Corporation.

For more information on this WGA Chairman’s Initiative, including the series of workshops and webinars, please contact Lauren DeNinno at 720.897.4536 or [email protected]. To support the Initiative, please contact WGA Director of Development, Sarah Olsen at 720.897.4540 or [email protected]. Get the latest news about the West and its governors by following the Western Governors' Association on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.