Rural design is an important tool for rural communities to build upon existing assets and improve the way a community looks, its quality of life, and its economic viability. However, few rural communities have access to design assistance or the expertise to tackle these challenges on their own. The Citizens' Institute on Rural Design (CIRD) provides communities access to the resources they need to convert their own good ideas into reality.
Application Deadline
Thank you and good luck to everyone who submitted applications!
From the Blog
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USDA Announces New Rules to Fund Broadband Service in Unserved Rural Communities
May 22, 2013The USDA has announced new rules to better target Community Connect broadband grants to areas where they are needed the most. -
Community Wisdom + Expert Knowledge = Good Community Design
April 23, 2013In a special guest post, the Orton Family Foundation's Ariana McBride answers the question: what can you do to help find a balance between community wisdom and design & planning professionals in your community’s rural design project?
Established in 1991, the Citizens' Institute on Rural Design has convened more than 60 workshops in all regions of the country, empowering residents to leverage local assets for the future in order to build better places to live, work, and play.
Stay Connected
CIRD supports host communities before and after their workshops via informational conference calls and webinars that cover critical topics in community engagement, rural design, partnership development, and workshop planning.