It's #BackToSchool season, and we're joining U.S. Department of Education and education partners to celebrate healthy school meals! Join Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary Miguel Cardona for a virtual Back to School Pep Rally today at 1:45 PM ET ➡️ usda.gov/live

“Why is it always ferries are such a Washington state icon and not me. I live here! What’s so great about a floating — oh my god it’s right behind me isn’t it...”

We are off for the long weekend in the North Cascades 🏔️ ☀️ We appreciate each and everyone of you that follow us. We live in such a beautiful place and the mountains are calling #wawx #pnw Amie Wheeler

And we are off!

Panel at the Northwest Rural Initiative Strategy Summit entitled; Year One: Taking Action, Moving Forward. Talking about our accomplishments since we met for the first time last November!

At the Northwest Rural initiative Summit in Skamania County, Mark Berkley from Washington State Department of Commerce talking about small core team awareness of successfully getting a rural infrastructure project from beginning to end.

Project Killer - Mike Gaffney from Washington State University talking about the need for matching capital - accessing matching funds to be able to apply for funds requiring a cash match.

Good morning from Skamania County! Getting ready to start day 2 of the Northwest Rural Investment Strategy Summit.

Rural Business & Cooperative Seevice Adimistrator Betsy Dirksen Longrigan opens up day 2 of the Northwest Rural Investment Strategy Summit in Stevenson, WA.

Margi Hoffmann, Rural Development Oregon State Director, leads a fireside chat asking what is the right role of technology in accelerating investment at the Northwest Rural Investment Strategy Summit in Stevenson, WA.

Great questions on the use of technology and the potential of AI as a grant writing tool during the fireside chat. The question? What is the right role of technology and accelerating investment?

Breakout session at the Northwest Rural Investment Strategy Summit about constructing community centers and emergency centers in preparation for the next natural disaster. Not if, but when? Will be ready?

It’s not just about infrastructure - Key local/regional stakeholders talking about another rural need - expanding access to rural childcare!

WSU Extension leads 3rd breakout in our morning sessions at the Northwest Rural Investment Strategy Summit talking about bridging the rural digital divide. WSU received a distance learning grant from Rural Development in 2023 to expand broadband access in remote rural areas in Washington.

Just because.

Post card from #BellinghamWA #BellinghamExperience #rpshots #sunrise #streetphotography #Fairhaven

It's #MainStreetMonday. The City of Sultan in rural Snohomish County was named after the local Native American Chief, Tseul-ted, but settlers mispronounced the name as “Sultan.” The city incorporated on June 28, 1905. Check out their history. ci.sultan.wa.us/223/History

Today, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the bravery of first responders and all who came together in the face of tragedy. May we never forget the resilience, unity, and strength that emerged in the aftermath. #NeverForget #September11

ICYMI: USDA has invited applications for technical assistance grants to preserve multifamily rental housing and expand access to safe, affordable and equitable housing for people across the nation: rd.usda.gov/media/file/dow…

What an amazing colorful sunrise over the dahlias and Mt. Baker this morning! Barnhart Road near Lynden, WA #wawx #pnw #whatcomcounty