Reporting on a rural planning and development program that proposes to develop, install, and evaluate alternative models for more effective collaboration and integration of the complex bureaucracies with responsibility for rural regions, this paper describes "Partnership for Rural Improvement" (PRI). Focusing on 11 counties in northcentral and northeastern Washington, the PRI intent is described as strengthening the capacity for development at two levels: in localities and regions, focusing on individual citizens, local officials, and members of local agencies as the principal actors; and in externally based support agencies or institutions which have specific responsibilities for assisting local people in the development process, focusing on agency or institutional professionals as the major actors (with particular emphasis on the capacity of educational institutions to provide short and long term services). Presenting an explanation of the rationale for alternative rural development models, this paper includes sections on: (l) the alternative development strategies (the Havelock, Rothman, Eberts, Moe and Tamblyn, and Mulford et al models); (2) the PRI model; (3) the PRI evaluation and research activities (process description and critical incident analysis; outcome analysis; pre- and post-measurements; assessment of effectiveness for specific events; focused evaluation events designed to review and adjust program direction; comparisons between geographic sub-regions; and assessment of the relative utility of the PRI model); (4) review of program progress. (JC)