LAPAS traditionally has served as the central point of contact for the Rural Development mission area on legislative and public affairs activities and serves under the direction of the Office of the Under Secretary. LAPAS consists of three major areas of responsibility: Legislative, Publications, and Public Information.
The Legislative branch monitors congressional activity for relevant floor and committee activities. They also assist in preparing Rural Development officials for hearing appearances. They respond to congressional inquiries regarding the mission area’s programs, including the status of constituent casework and serve as contact point for questions about the status of congressional mail. Meetings between congressional offices and mission area program and policy staff are coordinated through LAPAS. Project announcements of funding for individual projects are prepared and sent by the Legislative branch to congressional offices.
Public information activities provide a coordinated effort in the development and dissemination of information on Rural Development mission area programs and policies. The Public Affairs staff prepares news releases for distribution to national and state media as well as coordinating television and radio interviews, talking points and speeches for senior leadership. They are responsible for Rural Development’s national public Website. Additionally, this office actively develops new media assets and encourages the use of social media tools and technologies to enhance Rural Development communication efforts.
The LAPAS Publications staff writes, edits, secures photos and artwork, and does the layout of the Mission Area brochures and posters which provide the public with an overview of the programs and services of Rural Development. The Publications staff produces and clears editorial copy, photos and layout for special publications and oversees the update and revision of special research or information reports produced annually by Cooperative Programs. This branch oversees the design and construction of Rural Development convention exhibits and displays and manages transportation of these displays to events around the nation. LAPAS also coordinates warehousing and distribution of mission area publications.