The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) is a provincial association representing Alberta's rural municipalities including counties, municipal districts, and specialized municipalities. RMA advocates to the provincial government on rural municipal interests, which may differ from urban concerns. Activities include convention advocacy through resolutions, lobbying on legislation and policy, providing member services like training and group purchasing, and facilitating networking among rural administrators. RMA complements Alberta Municipalities (formerly AUMA), which historically focused on urban members. The distinction reflects different challenges rural municipalities face: vast geography, resource development impacts, agricultural land preservation, and providing services across sparse populations.