Breadcrumb
California Center for Rural Policy (CCRP)
Dedicated to improving the lives of rural people in California through community-based, innovative research
Who We Are
The California Center for Rural Policy (CCRP) at Cal Poly Humboldt strengthens the health, equity, and resilience of rural communities across Northern California.
Founded in 2005 by regional leaders who recognized that rural voices were often missing from research and policy discussions, CCRP ensures those perspectives are included.
We partner with Tribal governments, local agencies, nonprofits, and community coalitions to conduct applied research and provide evaluation, policy analysis, and regional facilitation grounded in rural contexts.
Our Focus Areas
CCRP's work spans four interconnected areas that address the most pressing challenges facing rural California
Community Health and Wellness
CCRP addresses systemic health disparities and works to improve wellness outcomes across rural communities, with a strong focus on inclusion and culturally appropriate care.
Youth, Education, and Child Well-Being
We research and support efforts to strengthen education systems, improve child welfare, and expand opportunities for children and young adults in rural areas.
Policy and Systems Change
We examine how policies affect rural communities and work to address structural inequities—particularly for underserved populations—through program monitoring and equity-focused assessments.
Economic Development, Resilience, and Wealth Building
CCRP promotes inclusive economic development as a pathway to health and stability, conducting research that supports job creation, poverty reduction, and workforce development.
Our Impact
For over 20 years, CCRP has partnered with rural communities to turn research into action—informing regional plans, guiding public investment, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration. Working alongside Tribal leaders, public agencies, educators, and community organizations, we help ensure rural priorities are reflected in policy and funding decisions across Northern California.
Years Strengthening Rural Communities
Community Partners
Northern California Counties Served
Research Projects Completed
Work With Us
Community-Based Participatory Research
Research with—and for—the community, ensuring locally relevant solutions
Evaluation Services
Comprehensive program assessment to strengthen initiatives and demonstrate impact
Regional Convening & Facilitation
Expert facilitation services for local and regional meetings and collaborative processes
Survey Design & Data Analysis
Custom survey development and analysis to gather actionable insights
Featured Projects
The featured projects below highlight some of CCRP’s collaborative regional efforts. These initiatives bring partners together to address complex rural challenges and support health equity, economic resilience, and systems change across rural Northern California.
Each project reflects our approach: community-driven research, inclusive facilitation, and practical policy guidance focused on real-world impact.
Redwood Region RISE
CCRP convenes Redwood Region RISE, a 150+ member coalition across Tribal Lands and four counties. Together, partners engaged 1,000+ residents to create a 10-year plan to grow sustainable, quality jobs—helping build a stronger, more inclusive economy for rural Northern California.
Building Healthy Communities
CCRP partnered in the Del Norte and Tribal Lands Building Healthy Communities initiative to advance health equity in local schools and neighborhoods. The work strengthened collaboration, built local leadership, and improved access to services—laying a foundation for lasting community health and well-being.
RANCHO Health Equity
CCRP worked with the Rural Association of Northern California Health Officers (RANCHO), an 11-county consortium of rural public health leaders. In collaboration with CDPH, this effort strengthened regional coordination, advanced health equity, and supported more resilient public health systems across rural Northern California.
Latest News
New CCRP Report: Urgent Childcare Gaps in Humboldt County
A newly released Humboldt County Child Care Needs Assessment, conducted by the California Center for Rural Policy and funded by North Edge, highlights a growing childcare crisis with wide-reaching impacts on families, providers, and the local economy.
Redwood Region RISE's Economic Roadmap Receives Federal Recognition
The Redwood Region RISE Regional Roadmap, a comprehensive 10-year economic development plan for Tribal Lands and Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino Counties, has been formally recognized as a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.