In this issue:

Indigenous voices, immersive experiences: RCAC helps Navajo Nation tourism venture overcome pandemic challenges

Southeast Utah’s towering mesas and lush canyons hold a special place in Louis Williams’ heart. As a Diné (Navajo) native, he grew up surrounded by the Indigenous languages and natural beauty of his ancestral land, instilling in him a profound respect for its fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage. Through his tour guide company, Ancient Wayves River & Hiking Adventures, Williams hopes to provide visitors with an unforgettable and immersive experience that showcases the profound interconnection between Native culture and the natural world, uplifting the voices of Indigenous peoples that have been marginalized for far too long.

Case study: Enoch City Drinking Water System

Enoch is a rural city in Iron County, Utah. The Enoch City Drinking Water System provides water to 6,500 people, many of whom have low incomes. The community’s median household income (MHI) is $53,569. The city of Enoch contacted RCAC for assistance in reviewing water system financials and determining an appropriate rate structure to ensure sustainable revenue without unduly burdening customers.

Training highlights

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

Navigating State Funding (California)

April 26, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Pacific Time | Courtyard by Marriott, Oxnard, California

Does your system have a capital improvement project and are you trying to figure out where to start in the state funding process? In this class you will learn about the resources available to identify funding opportunities, the requirements of a state funding application and how to request assistance so your system is prepared to execute a funding agreement.

Capacity Building Through Partnerships (California)

April 27, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Pacific Time | Courtyard by Marriott, Oxnard, California

This workshop will discuss the spectrum of opportunities for partnering with others. From casual information sharing or operational support, to formal consolidation or joint powers agreements, we will review the challenges and benefits of partnering. By creating partnerships and opportunities for working together we can solve some of our small system challenges.

Asset Management (Nevada)

April 27, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Pacific Time | Winnemucca Convention Center, Winnemucca, Nevada

For any water utility, even a very small water system, asset management (e.g. water tanks, pumps, computers, buildings, etc.) plays a significant role in the overall financial performance & sustainability of the water system. With proper planning, emergencies can be avoided & overall costs will be reduced. An asset management plan prioritizes the replacement or installation of infrastructure assets. It includes the forecasting & budgeting of capital outlay & is an integral part of the budgeting & rate-setting process for even very small water systems.

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!