The Council is established to:

1. (1) Coordinate economic, community and human development programs and policies of the Commonwealth serving and affecting rural citizens and communities.
2. (2) Collaborate with private and public sectors, including Federal, state and local governments, in developing rural economic, community and human development initiatives.
3. (3) Recommend policies for State or local adoption that would assist in the preservation or enhancement of the quality of life for rural citizens and communities.
4. (4) Explore the opportunities for improving conditions in rural Pennsylvania presented by new Federal policies and private foundation philanthropic interest in rural revitalization.