Home - Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development

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

Welcoming John Turack to the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development

September 9, 2026

NERCRD is pleased to welcome John Turack in a new collaborative role supporting our work across the region. Through a partnership with Penn State Extension, John will work closely with the NERCRD team to help support and develop multi-state regional initiatives that align with NERCRD goals and will help adapt NERCRD research for Extension audiences.

Upcoming Event

Registration is open for the Northeast Housing Summit

Taking place September 22, 2026, the Northeast Housing Summit will provide an opportunity for participants across the Northeast region to learn from one another and expand capacity for housing programming in the Northeast.

Aerial view of mixed-use land, including farmland, dense development, and a water way.