Breadcrumb
Rural Research and Policy
At CCRP, our research and policy work is rooted in rural realities, driven by equity, and centered on community. We elevate voices and data that inform decision makers on rural strengths and challenges, providing policy analysis to help communities understand how policies impact their lives.
Rather than imposing external solutions, we work alongside rural communities to identify locally relevant issues and develop evidence-based recommendations. Our approach recognizes that effective rural policy must account for the unique geographic, economic, and cultural contexts that shape life in these communities.
Our Focus Areas
CCRP's research and policy work spans four interconnected areas that address the most pressing challenges facing rural California
Community Health and Wellness
CCRP addresses systemic health disparities and works to improve wellness outcomes across rural communities, with a strong focus on inclusion and culturally appropriate care.
Youth, Education, and Child Well-Being
We research and support efforts to strengthen education systems, improve child welfare, and expand opportunities for children and young adults in rural areas.
Economic Development, Resilience, and Wealth Building
CCRP promotes inclusive economic development as a pathway to health and stability, conducting research that supports job creation, poverty reduction, and workforce development.
Policy and Systems Change
We examine how policies affect rural communities and work to address structural inequities—particularly for underserved populations—through program monitoring and equity-focused assessments.
Featured Research
Recent Report Highlight
Urgent Childcare Gaps in Humboldt County
A newly released Humboldt County Child Care Needs Assessment, conducted by the California Center for Rural Policy and funded by North Edge, highlights a growing childcare crisis with wide-reaching impacts on families, providers, and the local economy.
Featured Research
Regional Economic Roadmap
Community & Data-Driven Research
CCRP led the research behind the Regional Economic Roadmap — a community- and data-driven 10-year plan developed through engagement with 150+ organizations and 1,000+ residents across four counties and Tribal Lands, identifying sector priorities and structural enablers to bring sustainable, quality jobs to the Redwood Region.
Featured Research
California's Rural North: Exploring the Roots of Health Disparities
Regional Health Disparities Research
CCRP conducted research identifying the key drivers of health disparities in the RANCHO region, finding that elevated tobacco use, substance use, and mental health challenges — compounded by poverty, homelessness, and limited healthcare access — contribute to worse health outcomes compared to California as a whole, with targeted policy recommendations across smoking prevention, substance use treatment, and mental health care.
Our Research Archive
CCRP's Research Archive reflects the full breadth of our work over the years — spanning Community Health and Wellness, Economic Development and Resilience, Policy and Systems Change, and Youth, Education, and Child Well-being. Browse two decades of reports, briefs, presentations, and community resources rooted in rural Northern California. Explore our full body of work.
