Breadcrumb
Policy and Systems Change
Why This Matters
Rural communities face persistent structural inequities that require systemic solutions. From limited infrastructure and service access to persistent poverty and health disparities, rural Californians experience the consequences of policies that weren't designed with them in mind.
CCRP addresses these challenges through policy change, program monitoring, and equity-focused assessments—working to transform the systems that shape rural communities, particularly for underserved populations.
Rural at the Table
How We Approach Policy and Systems Change
At CCRP, our policy and systems change work is rural-rooted and equity-driven. We understand that rural contexts require different approaches, accounting for geographic isolation, resource limitations, and unique community strengths.
Rather than applying urban solutions to rural problems, we work alongside community partners to develop strategies grounded in local knowledge and priorities. Our role is to amplify community voices, translate local insights into policy language, and provide research foundations for sustainable systems change.
Featured Policy and Systems Change Projects
Building on foundational work including the 2009 Regional Broadband Study and "A Tale of Two Rural Broadband Victories" (2014), CCRP supports broadband infrastructure development and digital equity initiatives as a cross-cutting enabler in the Regional Economic Roadmap.
A decade-long initiative (2010-2020) in Del Norte and Tribal Lands that created lasting collaborative frameworks for community health, leadership development, and policy advocacy as part of The California Endowment's statewide campaign. Learn more about Building Healthy Communities
CCRP conducts cannabis equity assessments to support equitable cannabis regulation that addresses historical harms. As a result of CCRP's work, counties received over $4 million in equity program funding in 2020. View Cannabis Social Equity work and reports
Regional food policy development through research, facilitation, and strategic planning that addresses food access disparities while strengthening local food systems and economic opportunities. Food security is also a key component of CCRP's current work through Redwood Region RISE.
Independent compliance monitoring ensures vulnerable children and families receive appropriate services while systems meet state and federal requirements through objective assessment and policy recommendations.
More about the Humboldt County Child Welfare Services - Compliance Monitoring
CCRP partners with local government agencies (DHHS, PH, BH, SS, First 5) to develop comprehensive strategic plans through multi-stakeholder engagement, data-driven priority setting, and equity-focused frameworks.
Ready to put rural Policy and Systems Change research to work for your community?
Explore how we can support your goals:
Discover CCRP's Other Research & Policy Work
Community Health and Wellness
Economic Development, Resilience, and Wealth Building
