http://www.rcac.org/NewsFilmmaker George Lucas is heading an initiative to add affordable housing in Marin County, California, which currently lacks low income housing.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=584http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=584Wed, 16 May 2012 11:06:00 -0700As the quality of water in rural areas in Tulare County continues to be unsafe, California Watch reports that the Allensworth and Alpaugh Community Services Districts and the Angiola Water District may team up to provide drinking water to residents.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=583http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=583Tue, 15 May 2012 14:20:00 -0700Bank of America (BofA) recently sent out the first batch of letters to qualified homeowners offering to reduce their home loans as a result of the recent national settlement regarding alleged foreclosure abuses.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=582http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=582Mon, 14 May 2012 15:24:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded over $41 million to 99 different housing and nonprofit organizations to help victims of housing discrimination.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=581http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=581Mon, 14 May 2012 15:22:00 -0700The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) announced that it plans to keep hundreds of post offices located in rural communities open by reducing business hours and distributing stamps and packaging to other locations.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=580http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=580Fri, 11 May 2012 15:33:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently accepting applications for grants that will help improve housing in rural communities across the country.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=579http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=579Thu, 10 May 2012 16:12:00 -0700In response to the high costs paid by those living in rural parts of Alaska, the state's renewable energy program is introducing alternative energy sources.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=578http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=578Tue, 08 May 2012 15:05:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury released the Obama Administration's Housing Scorecard for the month of April, which reveals foreclosure prevention programs continue to help homeowners.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=577http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=577Mon, 07 May 2012 16:22:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is accepting grant applications through the Community Connect Broadband program to provide broadband service to those living in rural communities.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=576http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=576Thu, 03 May 2012 15:16:00 -0700According to The Daily Yonder, data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) indicates rural incomes grew considerably between 2009 and 2010, but remained below the national average.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=575http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=575Wed, 02 May 2012 15:09:00 -0700Together, Color Country Community Housing and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development are offering families living in Enoch, Utah, the opportunity to receive affordable housing.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=573http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=573Tue, 01 May 2012 15:54:00 -0700The Sacramento/Yolo Mutual Housing Association received a grant for the first zero-net community for low-income families in rural parts of Woodland.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=571http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=571Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:23:00 -0700Many witnesses defended the Rural Development programs during the first Farm Bill subcommittee hearing of the House Agriculture Committee in Washington, D.C., Agri-Pulse Communications reportshttp://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=574http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=574Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:20:00 -0700Despite once being an active rural community, California's South Dos Palos residents are now dealing with deteriorating infrastructure, and have major concerns about drinking water and wastewater services.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=572http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=572Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:17:00 -0700The Federal Reserve Board is sponsoring a nationwide conference that will explore ways to promote economic growth in Native American communities.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=570http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=570Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:18:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it is accepting grant applications to help small, socially disadvantaged agricultural producers and cooperatives in rural communities to create more jobs and improve business operations.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=569http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=569Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:09:00 -0700Indian Country Today Media Network reports that tribes living south of the Grand Canyon are concerned that the recent proposal to build three million square feet of commercial and residential space will be detrimental to their water supply.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=568http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=568Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:30:00 -0700The Confederate Tribes of the Goshute Reservation (CTGR) and Ely Shoshone Tribe and Duckwater Shoshone Tribe recently filed an appeal to challenge a ruling that would grant nearly 84,000-acre-feet of groundwater in rural parts of Nevada to Las Vegas.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=567http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=567Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:54:00 -0700In celebration of Earth Day, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced plans for projects to improve water and wastewater services across the country.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=566http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=566Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:48:00 -0700More than 70 residents of rural San Juan County, New Mexico, will no longer receive natural gas services from the only provider in the area on September 30, according to a report.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=565http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=565Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:38:00 -0700U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service Administrator Jonathan Adelstein and Coachella, California, Mayor Eduardo Garcia helped introduce the opening of a new water treatment facility in the community.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=563http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=563Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:32:00 -0700Many Navajo Nation members are displeased with a potential settlement that would take away water rights to a portion of the Little Colorado River, according to Indian Country Today Media Network.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=562http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=562Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:45:00 -0700The rural unemployment rate fell one full point in February from a year earlier, but remained well above the jobless rate in urban areas, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=564http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=564Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:17:00 -0700Elaine Brown, executive director of Nuvista Light and Electric Cooperative Energy, testified in front of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on federal laws and policies that affect energy prices throughout Alaska.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=561http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=561Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:59:00 -0700A report completed for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians finds plans to build homes for members of the tribe, will help fulfill the demand for affordable housing, create jobs and boost the local economy.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=560http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=560Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:31:00 -0700The White House Rural Council hosted a meeting with Native American tribe leaders, experts on agricultural development and other officials recently to help with economic development of rural communities.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=559http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=559Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:37:00 -0700The Associated Press reports that plans developed by former lobbyist Harvey Whittemore more than a decade ago to transform unused land in southern Nevada into a thriving community with affordable housing units has yet to begin construction on new homes.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=558http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=558Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:57:00 -0700Reuters reports that numerous California nonprofit organizations are pushing for further investigation of the housing crisis, as many homeowners are still threatened by foreclosure.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=556http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=556Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:25:00 -0700A bipartisan group composed of 44 state representatives and 21 senators signed letters to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski requesting the commission prevent proposed rule changes that could deny rural areas high-speed Internet.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=557http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=557Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:23:00 -0700California Watch reports that rural areas outside of affluent Rancho Santa Fe and San Diego counties are lacking adequate sewage systems and clean drinking water after years of neglect.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=555http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=555Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:29:00 -0700Oregon Public Broadcasting reports that Native Americans living in Oregon are restoring their basic water needs with assistance from government-funded grants.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=554http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=554Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:16:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced 10 projects will receive funding to help rural small businesses and agricultural producers reduce energy consumption while implementing renewable energy technologies.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=553http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=553Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:42:00 -0700A study conducted by the University of North Carolina Center for Community Capital states tehre is a connection between homeownership in low-income neighborhoods and residents' perception of crime in local communities.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=552http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=552Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:55:00 -0700CNBC reports that recent stories of Alaskan residents' desperation to seek affordable living conditions sparked the Senate Finance Committee's recent proposal for energy vouchers.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=551http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=551Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:54:00 -0700U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman announced that the Mescalero Apache Housing Authority was recently awarded a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=549http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=549Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:35:00 -0700A recent survey by Survey Sampling International reveals that nearly 73 percent of respondents said they had never heard of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) and the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP).http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=550http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=550Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:33:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of nearly $60 million in grants for employment and training services through the Workforce Investment Act. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=547http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=547Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:21:00 -0700The Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana needs low-income residents to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development's Mutual Self-Help Housing program in Kalispell.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=548http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=548Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:15:00 -0700A report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) says rent is unaffordable for many full-time workers across the country.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=546http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=546Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:43:00 -0700NeighborWorks America has made more than $73 million available to more than 100 state housing agencies, affordable housing organizations and housing counseling intermediaries to help homeowners nationwide prevent foreclosure.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=545http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=545Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:57:00 -0700A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report shows the Rural Energy Assistance Program (REAP) is helping the country become energy independent and rural small businesses become more energy-efficient.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=544http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=544Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:03:00 -0700The Alaska House of Representatives passed recent legislation allowing residents of Alaska to continue receiving grant money to conduct renewable energy projects. This funding will create significant savings for rural residents.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=543http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=543Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:00:00 -0700Hundreds of nonprofit organizations and public agencies will receive $42 million in housing counseling grants offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=542http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=542Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:53:00 -0700The Department of Transportation is allocating roughly $15 million in competitive funding for transportation improvements for Alaska Natives and other tribal communities nationwide.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=541http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=541Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:06:00 -0700Minnesota Senator Al Franken recently introduced legislation that helps stabilize neighborhoods affected by abandoned homes and buildings.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=540http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=540Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:50:00 -0700A recently proposed bill in California would help fund programs for developing and maintaining affordable housing and creating jobs. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=539http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=539Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:42:00 -0700More than $200 million will be allocated for homelessness programs nationwide through grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=538http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=538Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:02:00 -0700U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) California State Director Glenda Humiston will introduce a program that aims to stimulate the local economy of California's Morongo Basin through economic development.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=537http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=537Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:22:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that rural electric cooperative utilities in eight states will receive financial assistance to install smart grid technologies and make improvements to generation and transmission facilities. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=536http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=536Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:34:00 -0700The House of Representatives is set to discuss The Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act of 2011, sponsored by Congressman Scott Tipton.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=535http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=535Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:45:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced meetings will take place with tribal leaders to assess the housing needs in Native American communities. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=534http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=534Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:43:00 -0700After hearing the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) proposed budget for fiscal year 2013, the Native American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) is requesting additional funds.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=532http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=532Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:44:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is seeking applications for loans and grants that will help create jobs and spark economic opportunities for areas in need of rural community development.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=533http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=533Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:43:00 -0700Residents living in the unincorporated cities of Imperial Valley, California, are in need of help to improve air quality in the region.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=530http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=530Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:16:00 -0700USDA Administrator, Jonathan Adelstein, made FY 2013 budget requests to the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee for various Rural Utility Service (RUS) programs.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=529http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=529Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:03:00 -0700Advocates with the support of a senior member of the House Budget and Ways and Means Committees and the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) have reached out to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=528http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=528Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:15:00 -0700The White House recently honored numerous housing advocates as part of the Champions of Change program, which spotlights housing counselors who greatly assist communities in need nationwide.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=531http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=531Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:12:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it will award responsible homeowners in rural Nevada communities with an additional $100 to $150 each month for other personal family expenses. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=527http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=527Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:31:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced that $6.5 million will be used to fund 19 clean energy projects for Native American Tribes to improve the quality of energy used throughout their communities. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=525http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=525Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0700The Southern Rural Development Center reports that median household incomes fell 6.9 percent.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=526http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=526Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:58:00 -0700The Center for Housing Policy recently released an annual look at housing affordability challenges for working households.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=524http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=524Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:27:00 -0700The Great Falls Tribune reports that residents of Browning and East Glacier Park finally learned from the state that it was safe to drink the water.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=523http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=523Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:25:00 -0700A proposed Alaska House bill would increase power cost equalization by $33 million, providing customers living in rural communities better energy rates.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=522http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=522Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:02:00 -0700The House Natural Resources Committee recently approved H.R. 1837 also known as the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act that could help farmers in the rural communities secure more water along with plans for river restoration.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=519http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=519Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:18:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced an additional $108 million will go to tribes through Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBG).http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=518http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=518Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:53:00 -0700The White House announced plans for the "We Can't Wait" program that will help rural community development by boosting local economies.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=517http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=517Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:05:00 -0700The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) recently announced that $50 million will go toward providing safe and reliable water to both tribal and non-tribal residents in rural communities. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=516http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=516Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:45:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently announced a plan to provide $95 million to residents who receive affordable housing assistance additional help through education and job training.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=514http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=514Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:14:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced it is awarding $20 million in funds to provide technical assistance to help local communities stabilize neighborhoods that were hit hard by foreclosure.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=520http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=520Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:11:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced it is awarding $20 million in funds to provide technical assistance to help local communities stabilize neighborhoods that were hit hard by foreclosure.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=515http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=515Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:11:00 -0700The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NHIHC) reports that every state in the nation is lacking an adequate amount of affordable and available rental homes.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=513http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=513Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:27:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced that the proposed fiscal year 2013 budget is set to include $100 million in funding for Regional Planning and Community Challenge Grants. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=512http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=512Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:37:00 -0700The Senate recently passed a bill that will allow the Quileute Tribe to move out of potential tsunami zones and to relocate to higher grounds. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=511http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=511Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:55:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently awarded nearly $1.8 billion to help public housing authorities nationwide make major improvements to affordable housing units, including water and energy conservation additions.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=521http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=521Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:53:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently made an announcement regarding the Proposed Fiscal Year budget for 2013 outlining plans that will promote economic community development.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=510http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=510Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:59:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced that $404 million in Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBG) will be distributed to roughly 300 tribes in 27 states.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=509http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=509Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:47:00 -0700The U.S. Depatrment of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will award 298 recipients throughout 44 states and Puerto Rico with business development help through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=508http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=508Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:21:00 -0700The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Public and Indian Housing's policy to help assist low-income residents could help preserve additional affordable housing.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=505http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=505Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:20:00 -0700Following a series of meetings, HOPE NOW has revealed additional struggles military homeowners have faced throughout the fall of the housing market.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=507http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=507Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:18:00 -0700The U.S. Deparment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced that an additional $31.5 million will be dedicated to making housing more affordable for very low-income senior citizens. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=506http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=506Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:15:00 -0700In an effort to protect homeowners from falling victim to faulty foreclosure practices, lawmakers in Oregon are pushing two bills to help regulate the foreclosure process.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=504http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=504Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:24:00 -0700As foreclosures continue to haunt the housing market, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) has released a report that emphasizes the need for foreclosure mediation in all states.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=503http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=503Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:18:00 -0700Fannie Mae announced that is provided $24.4 billion debt financing for affordable housing units for low- and medium-income residents in 2011. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=502http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=502Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:34:00 -0700Some big-name lenders have agreed to a proposed $25 billion settlement but news sources report that California Attorney General Kamala Harris says the amount is not enough for affected homeowners.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=501http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=501Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:19:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it will launch a trial program that will assist rural homeowners with refinancing their homes to lighten their monthly mortgage payments or shorten their loan term.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=500http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=500Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:21:00 -0700A Cascade County, Montana, official recently wrote an opinion editorial for the Great Falls Tribune, in which he said state officials should be placing the need for broadband expansion in rural areas as a top priority.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=499http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=499Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:59:00 -0700The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) recently reduced its request to state lawmakers for the amount of water it would like provided to the southern region from the state's rural areas, the Las Vegas Sun reports.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=497http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=497Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:18:00 -0700National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Jefferson Keel recently gave his State of Indian Nations Address, during which he discussed various topics regarding Native Americans, including issues facing tribes in 2012.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=496http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=496Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:12:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Agriculture has given more than $13 million in grants to several universities to help solved water-related problems nationwide, including in rural communities.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=495http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=495Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:03:00 -0700Integrated Regional Water Management Planning (IRWMP) groups are working in unison to solve problems related to water access throughout California, as government funds for projects to expand access are nearly gone, according to the magazine Ag Alert.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=498http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=498Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:22:00 -0700The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided $863 million to organizations nationwide to help low-income residents with energy assistance.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=494http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=494Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:17:00 -0700More than two dozen rural organizations sent a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to focus more on rural issues in the coming year as he will soon conduct his annual State of the Union address.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=492http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=492Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:36:00 -0700Affordable housing units were created specifically for rural farm workers in southern Colorado recently, thanks to a nonprofit residential development organization in Denver, Multi-Housing News (MHN) reports.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=491http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=491Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:16:00 -0700Washington State Representative John McCoy introduced a bill recently that would bring broadband Internet connectivity to rural communities in the state lacking the service.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=490http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=490Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:19:00 -0700Based on job data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Daily Yonder reports the rural unemployment rate hit its lowest point in nearly three years in November.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=489http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=489Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:35:00 -0700NeighborWorks America invested more than $1.3 billion in affordable rental housing nationwide during fiscal year 2011, helping create thousands of new apartments.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=488http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=488Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:07:00 -0700Roughly $2 million has been made available to nonprofit organizations, local governments and other groups by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for housing counseling and training to help homeowners, homebuyers and renters.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=493http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=493Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:41:00 -0700Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie spoke at the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual meeting recently, at which he stated the need for Hawaii to embrace new farming methods to create a more self-sustaining farming economy.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=486http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=486Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:46:00 -0700The California Housing Finance Agency (CHFA) announced its Keep Your Home California program has increased in size by 500 percent since it began in February 2011.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=487http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=487Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:11:00 -0700A housing assistance agency in Central Oregon is helping residents in need of affordable housing the chance to apply for units, and is offering technical assistance for applicants in January.http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=483http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?714&i=483Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:38:00 -0700