About IIRA -> Strategic Initiative -> Values

Values

The Institute is based on six core values:

1. Community economic development encompasses more than job creation; it also includes health, education, public transportation, public management, housing, and telecommunications. IIRA addresses these issues in a holistic approach.

2. The most successful solutions to local problems come from local initiatives. IIRA strives to empower residents and community leaders to make informed decisions rather than just recommending specific alternatives.

3. Rural issues are broader than agriculture even though agriculture is important and must be included in efforts to strengthen the local economic base. IIRA programs address a multitude of community concerns to enhance the quality and ensure the vitality of community life.

4. Long-term solutions to rural issues must recognize the sustainability of the region and not deplete existing resources. IIRA explicitly recognizes environmental issues in helping community leaders find solutions for local concerns.

5. Communities in rural areas do not exist in isolation; they depend on economic prosperity at the metro, state, and national levels. IIRA understands these interrelationships and encourages partnerships among groups within and between communities.

6. Successful community development enriches the lives of all residents regardless of race, creed, sex, age, or economic status, including disadvantaged regions and underserved population segments. IIRA believes that broad-based participation in local decisions ultimately leads to a higher quality of life for all residents.