In this issue:

Canjilon: RCAC bolsters New Mexico village’s push for water security

Perched atop a mesa in northern New Mexico’s Rio Arriba County, the small village of Canjilon is a living testament to the deep-rooted heritage of its community. Home to nearly 300 residents, primarily of Hispano and Indigenous descent, Canjilon’s roots stretch thousands of years, during which the Pueblo, Apache, and Navajo peoples have called the surrounding lands home.

RCAC Interview: Julia Hnilicka, Alaska USDA Rural Development Director

In this issue, we speak with Julia Hnilicka, State Director for USDA Rural Development – Alaska. Hnilicka was born and raised in the rural Alaskan village of Nenana, where she has spent most of her life. Her upbringing as the child of a tugboat captain and an educator has provided her with a firsthand understanding of the complex issues confronting rural households.

California Broadband Installation Grants for Affordable Housing – deadline January 1!

The CA Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has grants available to pay up to 100% of broadband equipment, installation and engineering at new or existing affordable housing sites. Applications are due January 1 and July 1, 2024. Applications are simple, not scored and noncompetitive.

For questions or assistance, contact:

• Diane Luther, consultant, lutherforward@outlook.com
• Taylor Cheim, CPUC program manager, Taylor.Cheim@cpuc.ca.gov

Training highlights

For questions about event registration, please email RCAC Events at registration@rcac.org or call (916) 447-9832 ext. 1429.

USDA 502 Direct Loan Application Packaging Training (Multi-State)
September 11-15, 2023 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Pacific Time | Five-day online course

The USDA Section 502 Direct Certified Loan Application Packaging course is an advanced course that covers USDA Rural Development’s Section 502 Direct (502D) Loan Program and provides critical information on utilization of this homeownership financing resource that can be used to assist potential borrowers. The advanced course will be offered over five days and presented virtually. Through this course, designed for those experienced in processing Section 502 Direct Certified Loan Applications, participants will learn the regulations and practical applications of the loan program.

CalTAP Fair: Building a Resilient Water Future (California)
September 14, 2023 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Pacific Time | Red Lion Hotel, Redding, California

Join us and learn about the California Technical Assistance Providers (CalTAP) programs, funded by California State Water Resources Control Board. These programs provide onsite technical assistance and free workshops, as well as many other resources, for water professionals throughout California.

Technical, managerial and combined tracks available.

Small Water System Management Programs (Washington)
September 14, 2023 | 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM Pacific Time | Labor & Industries Department, Moses Lake, Washington

Safe, reliable drinking water does not happen by itself. Appropriate system planning, design, operation and management make it happen. All water systems are required to have a plan, and some may be able to use the Department of Health’s Small Water System Management Program (SWSMP) template. This training will help board members, managers and operators understand their obligations regarding planning, and will walk you through using the Small Water System Management Program template.

Affordable Housing Loan Program

RCAC financing helps developers build single and multifamily affordable housing units for low-income families. RCAC’s housing loans allow for short-term acquisition, pre-development, site development and construction of single and multifamily affordable housing. If you are interested, please download our program flyer and learn more about loan application requirements. RCAC is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

Looking for a new and exciting career path?

Join our passionate team and make a difference in rural communities throughout the West! We work in diverse and low-income communities to increase access to affordable housing and safe drinking water, promote economic opportunity and job creation, and provide financing for community and economic development projects.