Purpose (or Mission) Statement** 

The purpose of the Michigan Rural Network (MRN) is to improve the quality of life in rural Michigan by linking individuals and organizations in rural communities to develop a unified voice around common concerns, share resources and expertise and promote a rural policy agenda that benefits all of Michigan. 

Guiding Principles** 

MRN is committed to the following principles to help guide the development of its goals and outcomes as well as the planning and implementation of its strategies.  

1. Promote regional planning and inter-governmental collaboration and advocate for funding priorities that build upon the strengths and assets of rural and urban communities so as to and enhance the interdependence and success of both.
2. Conduct on-going research and use best practices and proven models of success to enhance successful rural planning and development. This includes sharing data and models of success broadly so as to increase likelihood of success in addressing rural community needs.
3. Involve individuals and organizations in rural communities in the planning and development of program initiatives that are designed to benefit rural communities.
4. Help build an entrepreneurship culture that promotes self-employment, small businesses and development of thriving local economies while also promoting the preservation of farmland, recreational areas and open space so as to maintain the charm of rural communities.
5. Foster and promote a vision of rural communities as friendly places to live, work, shop and play building upon its cultural, economic, educational and recreational assets.

2009-10 Goals / Anticipated Outcomes**

Following are MRN’s goals and anticipated outcomes for 2009-10: 

1. Prepare a baseline report on the state of rural Michigan to document current conditions, outline MRN’s proposed goals, outcomes and strategies and serve as basis for future evaluation of success of MRN’s plans and strategies.
2. Enhance MRN’s web site to promote access to needed information and resources, link MRN partners so as to enhance communications and the sharing of information and to promote MRN’s purposes, plans and strategies.
3. Develop a “Rural Economic Development Plan”, with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and other MRN partners that promotes self-employment, small businesses and development of thriving local economies while also promoting the preservation of farmland, recreational areas and open space.
4. Coordinate an annual legislative day for MRN partners to promote and educate legislators regarding its Rural Economic Development Plan and request funding for priority initiatives.
5. Work with state departments to develop a specific “master toolbox” to promote economic development for small and rural communities.
6. Investigate successful planning and economic development models used in other states, identify 2-3 concepts that could best be replicated in Michigan and develop a plan for implementing / promoting these ideas.
7. Explore and pursue funding for implementing MRN plan initiatives.
8. Review Citizen Research Council report regarding federal funding not being received by Michigan, identify 1-2 potential opportunities for obtaining funding and develop a plan for obtaining such funding.

**DRAFT ITEMS 1/15/09