The Community Response Team was established in the spring of 1991. "CRT" as it is called, is the official strategic planning group for the County.  The membership of the Community Response Team has representation from many aspects of the community.  The members are appointed annually by the County Court.  Twenty or so individuals serve as volunteers on CRT.

The Community Response Team and the Strategic Plan serve as a catalyst for implementation of various strategies.  The operating guidelines for CRT are as follows:

• The CRT for Harney County is the volunteer strategic planning committee for economic development in Harney County.
• The Strategic Plan is reviewed annually and revised every two years by the team.
• The CRT serves as a catalyst for implementation of strategies.