Rural Population Revitalization Commission

About the Commission

Established by Act 21 of 2024, the purpose of the Commission is to create "reviews and recommendations aimed at attracting and retaining residents in rural Pennsylvania while addressing challenges facing rural communities due to population shifts and changing demographics". This includes recommending legislation and regulatory change.

Duties:

Reviews and Policy Recommendations

Increasing participation in the Federal decennial census

Attracting and retaining residents in rural Pennsylvania

Education and career opportunities

Access to health care

Affordable housing

Access to social services

Current issues facing rural Pennsylvania

Grant awards and tax credit opportunities for rural Pennsylvania residents and businesses

Statutory and regulatory costs and impacts on rural municipal governments, businesses, and communities

Other issues facing rural Pennsylvania as identified by the commission

Additional Powers

Make findings and recommendations to mitigate population shifts

Consult with experts

Receive input from interested parties

Hold public hearings throughout the Commonwealth

Review/consider rural development strategies

Review state/regional programs

Recommend proposed legislation and regulatory changes based upon the Commission's findings

Maintain a database on rural PA's demographic trends

Establish subcommittees to address specific population change issues

Periodic estimates of fiscal impacts

Distribute information on public grants

Membership Composition

State Government

Two individuals appointed by the Governor
Two members from the Senate appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate, one from the majority party and one from the minority party
Two members from the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one from the majority party and one from the minority party
The director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania or a designee
The executive director of the Pennsylvania Rural Development Council or a designee

Local/County Government

A representative from the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania who holds office in a rural county
A representative from the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania from a rural county with interests or experience in human services
A representative from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association from a rural school district

Private Sector and Academia

A young adult selected from a statewide general farm organization selected by the chairperson
A representative from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry who resides in or operates a business in a rural county
A representative from the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health
A representative from the State System of Higher Education who represents a university located in a rural county