April 19-20, 2024

Three Rivers Convention Center, Tri-Cities, WA

Thanks to all who participated in our 13th biennial Regards to Rural Conference!

Regards to Rural is a unique event for community members and leaders throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond to discuss rural priorities, explore innovative economic models, obtain tools to make change in communities, and inspire action to help pave the way to rural vitality.

This year’s R2R featured a rural funder panel, keynotes, a fireside chat, and networking opportunities. Breakout sessions are focused on collective leadership, rural support resources, innovative Main Street approaches, Latino engagement, economic development, resilience and energy, board diversity, rural policy, and more. Sessions were geared toward providing practical tools for people to bring back and implement in their communities.

Attendees made meaningful connections and learned from other rural champions about:

- Growing Equitable Economies and Entrepreneurship
- Increasing Rural Access to Resources
- Supporting Diverse and Inclusive Rural Leadership
- Elevating Diverse Rural Voices
- Exploring Rural Civic Engagement

"Rural folks need this space to convene, network, and gain renewed confidence."

Tremendous thanks to Timothy Bishop for capturing wonderful photos of the conference.

Interconnected: Partnership Strategies in Indian Country

"Para mi fue una experiencia maravillosa y enriquecedora!"

"Meeting a few key people has inspired ideas for our town."

Thanks to the following for their generous support of Regards to Rural 2024:

The Ford Family Foundation; Sherwood Trust; Roundhouse Foundation; Community Heart & Soul; Energy Trust of Oregon; Umpqua Bank; The Oregon Multifamily Energy Program (OR-MEP) from Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS); The Partners Group; USDA; Visit Tri-Cities, Washington; Benton Community Foundation; Pacific Power; Oregon State University Extension and Engagement