Oregon Governor Tina Kotek proclaimed July 2025 to be Rural Appreciation Month in Oregon and encourages all Oregonians to join in this observance.

Rural places make up the geographic bulk of the State of Oregon, representing our hometowns and the heart and soul of the state. Oregon’s historic and present economic identity is built from the natural resources predominantly found in our rural places, yet economic recovery within our rural communities is a continuous challenge. Rural people and communities represent unique contributions to Oregon’s cultural, economic, and recreational assets. July is a month that more Oregonians often visit rural towns to attend festivals and enjoy nature. Cultural, political, and economic bridges between Oregon’s rural and urban communities are necessary to strengthen the state as a whole. Join RDI and Oregonians to celebrate July 2025 as a statewide Rural Appreciation Month, as the UN also acknowledges World Rural Development Day on July 6.