The North Central Region (NCR) depends on three interconnected systems: communities, businesses, and households. A robust North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD) enables the achievement of each system’s goals by creating resilient communities and economies, developing leadership and civic engagement, and promoting community health and wellness. The United State Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) provides core budget and logistical support for coordination across the four regional centers. The North Central Regional Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Directors is composed of key Land Grant University research administrators from the twelve-state region, and provides operating support for the NCRCRD. The North Central Cooperative Extension Association (NCCEA) is composed of Extension Directors from the twelve-state region, and provides operating support for the NCRCRD.