President Obama signed an Order today establishing the White House Rural Council. The Council’s mission is, among other items, to “coordinate and increase the effectiveness of Federal engagement with rural stakeholders, including…telecommunications services providers.” The Council’s mission also includes making recommendations to the President on streamlining and leveraging Federal investments in rural areas to increase the impact of Federal dollars and create economic opportunities to improve the quality of life in rural America.

The Secretary of Agriculture will serve as the Chair of the Council.