The Virginia Rural Center Launches “The Rural Virginia Opportunity Dashboard” at Southwest Virginia Economic Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2025

WISE, VA — The Virginia Rural Center proudly announces the launch of the Rural Virginia Opportunity Dashboard, an innovative digital platform designed to empower rural communities across the Commonwealth. The dashboard was unveiled today during the Tenth Annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

Developed by the Virginia Rural Center, the Opportunity Dashboard provides comprehensive, data-driven insights into critical sectors such as demographics, housing, education, business, and health. The platform features interactive asset maps that highlight essential infrastructure and community resources, helping local leaders visualize opportunities and challenges in their regions.

“Rural Virginia is rich in potential, and this dashboard will serve as a vital tool for stakeholders looking to drive positive change,” said Senator Creigh Deeds, Chairman of the Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia. “By providing detailed insights and resources, we aim to help communities recognize their strengths and identify opportunities for growth.”

A key element of the dashboard is the Rural Resource Index, a searchable tool for identifying funding opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels. Designed to support governments, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals, the index makes it easier to secure resources for impactful community projects.

“This dashboard is a major step forward for rural Virginia,” said Bryan David, Chair of the Council for Rural Virginia. “It reflects our commitment to providing practical tools that support data-informed decision-making, helping communities to be more strategic, competitive, and successful in pursuing opportunities.”

The dashboard also includes downloadable reports and trend data to support grant applications, planning efforts, and long-term investment strategies. Its development was guided by a vision to bridge data gaps and enhance collaboration among rural stakeholders.

“The Rural Virginia Opportunity Dashboard was built with and for our communities,” said Kristie Proctor, Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Center. “It brings together critical data and resources in one place, giving leaders the insights they need to plan for the future and make a real difference locally.”

The Virginia Rural Center welcomes sponsors and partners to support the continued growth and impact of the Rural Virginia Opportunity Dashboard, which was developed in collaboration with the Virginia Tech Center for Geospatial Information Technology and Chandler Vaughan.

For more information about the Rural Virginia Opportunity Dashboard and to use the dashboard, visit: www.cfrv.org/rvod

Media Contact:

Chandler Vaughan

Dashboard Development Consultant

Email: chandler.vaughan@cfrv.org

Website: www.cfrv.org

The Virginia Rural Center is a partnership of the Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia and the Council for Rural Virginia, working together with policymakers and local leaders to advance economic opportunity and quality of life across the Commonwealth.