Report

FEDERAL REGIONAL COMMISSIONS AND AUTHORITIES: STRUCTURAL FEATURES AND FUNCTION

Erin Cahill   |   July 23, 2023

Federal Regional Commissions and Authorities: Structural Features and Function (CRS, July 31, 2025) provides a detailed overview of eight federal regional commissions—such as the Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority, and others—highlighting their governance structures, statutory service areas, funding trends, and role in addressing economic distress. The report underscores how these quasi-governmental entities deliver place-based development through intergovernmental partnerships, delivering programs in infrastructure, workforce, energy, business development, and more across rural and economically lagging regions. This structure mirrors Aspen CSG’s approach via Rural Development Hubs: both models elevate the importance of regional alignment, multi-sector governance, and sustained investment tailored to community context and needs.

Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group
Related Posts
Tool
Native Community Data Profiles

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

The Native Community Data Profiles tool connects data from a variety of public sources for a place-based look at a range of topics.

Read More
Tool
J40 PLAYBOOK

Emerald Cities Collaborative

This playbook offers frontline groups and community organizations guidance for developing a People’s Justice40+ Community Benefit Plan.

Read More
Blog
POTs and PANs

CCG Consulting

Blog written by Doug Dawson, President of CCG Consulting, on almost every aspect of telecommunications.

Read More
Report
Barriers to Federal Investment in Rural Communities 

The West Virginia Community Development Hub

The Hub's report identifies potential strategies individual agencies could undertake to creatively address current barriers to rural access to federal resources.

Read More
Tool
ERADICATING RURAL POVERTY: THE POWER OF COOPERATION

Nonprofit Quarterly

Rural America is far more diverse than how it is portrayed in media and popular culture. This series from Partners for Rural Transformation and NPQ highlights that topic and efforts to address multi-generational poverty.

Read More
Report
Equitable Economic Development Playbook Initiative

International Economic Development Council (IEDC)

IEDC’s Equitable Economic Development Playbook Initiative is IEDC’s flagship Race, Equity, and Economic Development program.

Read More
Latest From Aspen CSG
Blog
Supporting Ballot Access in Rural Communities

Systems-level factors have restricted access to voter information and the ballot box—but they can be dismantled.

Read More
Blog
Centering Indigenous Leadership in Rural Development

Aspen CSG partners with Indigenous leaders to center sovereignty, equity, and Indigenous priorities in building a thriving rural future for all.

Read More
Blog
Leading and Learning: Chris Estes

Aspen CSG Co-Executive Director Chris Estes talks about centering leadership on mutual benefit, collaboration, and creating intentional spaces for trust and shared learning.

Read More
Report
The Power of Connection: Rural Development Hubs in Action

Lessons and insights on advancing the Rural Development Hub model.

Read More
Blog
From the Delta to Aspen: Elevating Rural Voices & Solutions

At the Aspen Ideas Festival, Justin Archer Burch brought what’s working in the Delta to a national stage, ensuring rural, Southern, and community-rooted solutions are part of the conversation.

Read More
Blog
40 Years of Advancing Rural and Indigenous Prosperity

Celebrating 40 years of rural and Indigenous community partnership, Aspen CSG reflects on decades of action, connection, and what’s ahead.

Read More