Our
Purpose

Primary Objectives of FREDA

• Advocating for state and federal policies, programs and funding that will positively impact the economic and community development capacity of and will improve the quality-of-life metrics throughout rural Florida.
• Facilitating and sustaining strong professional relationships and partnerships between and among rural communities and state and federal policymakers and agencies, private business and industry, for-profit and non-profit organizations and groups, and individuals committed to enhancing the economic conditions, job growth, and quality of life in rural Florida.
• Enhancing professional development and leadership capacity of local elected officials, local economic development professionals, private business, and community leaders throughout rural Florida.  Such capacity can be enhanced through education, training, and technical assistance services.
• Serving as an important research entity and disseminator of information relevant to rural Florida’s ability to improve their local and regional economies, and quality of life.  
• Serving as a central convener for rural Florida to connect state, regional and local leaders, both public and private sectors, for information sharing, discussing current challenges, developing solutions to those challenges, and developing strategies for economic growth.