Linking research and outreach in support of rural vitality

Established by the Rural Development Act of 1972, the nation’s four Regional Rural Development Centers work in partnership with the Land-Grant University system to address crucial needs in our nation’s rural communities. The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD) at Penn State serves the 12-state region from Maine to West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Our Work

Economic Development, Resilience, and Innovation

NERCRD is pursuing several lines of inquiry related to economic resilience and innovation, with a current emphasis on identifying pathways for rural recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourism and Outdoor Recreation

Recognizing that tourism, including agritourism, is an important economic development strategy for rural communities, NERCRD’s research and outreach in this area are aimed at helping communities identify and leverage their tourism and outdoor recreation assets.

Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Agriculture

NERCRD’s work in this area helps communities understand the impacts of local and regional food systems and how to best capitalize on their potential benefits.

Capacity Building and Facilitation

NERCRD serves as a regional hub for our Land-Grant University (LGU) partners, linking research and Extension faculty across state lines. By facilitating collaborative networks and partnerships, we enhance the capacity of the LGU system, so that its people can work more effectively to foster regional prosperity and rural development.

Recent News

Energy price shocks slow state economies; spur energy efficiency investments

July 17, 2026

Rising energy prices in the U.S. reduce the economic output of states, but they also set in motion investments in more efficient equipment and technologies that partially offset those output losses over time, according to a new study by NERCRD researchers.

Congratulations to Northeast Extension professionals honored with community development awards!

July 16, 2026

In June, several members of the National Association for Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) were recognized with awards. The awards were presented at the 2026 NACDEP meeting, which was hosted by Kansas State University in Wichita, KS. Among this year’s awardees were a number of Northeast NACDEP members – please join us in congratulating them on the well-deserved honor!

WVU Extension leads efforts to enhance sustainability of tourism in rural communities

July 8, 2026

This article by Hannah Booth (West Virginia University Division for Land-Grant Engagement) highlights the Tourism, Resiliency and Indicators for Post-Pandemic Planning (TRIP) project and a recently published study by the TRIP project team. NERCRD Director Stephan Goetz, Associate Director Stephen Alessi, and Faculty Affiliate Luyi Han are members of the project team. The TRIP project is led by WVU’s Doug Arbogast, who is also a member of the NERCRD Technical Advisory Committee.

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