In this issue:

RCAC Interview: Idaho USDA Rural Development Director Rudy Soto

RCAC presents a series of discussions with state directors for United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD). The series will provide a glimpse at USDA RD’s priorities and how state directors assist rural communities in our region. In this issue, we spoke to Rudy Soto, State Director, USDA Rural Development-Idaho. Read more

Featured case study: Yellow Pine, Idaho

Yellow Pine is an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP) in Valley County, Idaho. In 2019, the population of Yellow Pine was 246. This small mining community’s water storage and distribution systems were seriously damaged by earthquakes in 2020. Fortunately, by working closely with RCAC technical assistance provider Jeremy Peirsol, Yellow Pine Water Users Association was able to create balance sheets for the organization that allowed them to pursue two Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants (ECWAG). Read more

Training highlights

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

Asset Management for Operators
February 8, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Pacific Time | Visalia, California

A public water system’s “assets” are the critical components that allow operators to provide safe drinking water to the public. This includes the water source, filtration plants, chemical feed, pipes and all appurtenances connected to the pipes. This also includes vehicles, equipment and tools. The operator has their finger on the pulse of these items and knows when they will need to be replaced. However, many operators are not familiar with the method for replacing these items prior to failure…. Read more and register here

Financial Fundamentals
February 9, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Pacific Time | Visalia, California

Would you like to have a better understanding of how to sustain your system’s financial position? Join us for a fundamentals of financial management workshop showcasing the understanding of foundational financial skills that will pave your way to a better economic health. The goal of proper financial management is to ensure that your utility is operated as a financially sustainable enterprise and that you can provide safe and reliable water, both in the short- and long-term, for your customers…. Read more and register here

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. Apply here!


Network News, published monthly, is a compilation of timely news, announcements and accomplishments produced for the rural development world at no cost to subscribers. We encourage correspondence and welcome contributions. Subscribe here

Chief Executive Officer: Suzanne Anarde
Executive Editor: Dawn Van Dyke, dvandyke@rcac.org
Managing Editor: Blivion Xanouvong, bxanouvong@rcac.org

Network News is funded by: RCAC’s Loan Fund and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

RCAC is the western RCAP partner.

RCAC is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.