In this issue:

The Wells Run Dry: Insights from Willcox, Arizona

Rural Community Assistance Corporation responded to multiple requests for private well assessments from Willcox, a small town in southeastern Arizona’s Cochise County. This largely rural county consists mostly of small towns and unincorporated communities. Agriculture, one of the top industries, uses 90% of the county’s water, and the county relies almost entirely on groundwater. While most residential homes get water from a public water system, those outside towns and water districts depend on private wells for drinking water.

Recent news:

HUD Awards over $396,000 to RCAC for Housing Counseling Training Program

Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) is pleased to announce that it received a $396,246.39 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant. This award is part of HUD’s initiative to distribute $2.75 million in grants to enhance HUD-certified housing counselors’ skills across the country and increase access to professional and effective housing counseling services….

Ari Neumann named RCAC’s Chief Impact and Policy Officer

Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) named Ari Neumann as Chief Impact and Policy Officer (CIPO) in February. As CIPO Neumann will engage the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Leadership Team, lobbyists, key state and federal industry policy leaders and stakeholders to evaluate and understand proposed policy impacts, goals, strategies and values….

Training highlights

Click here to see our full Training Calendar.
For questions about event registration, please email registration@rcac.org or call (916) 447-9832 ext. 1429.

Capital Improvement Planning (California)

April 9, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time
Online

For any water utility, even a very small water system, operators have a very important role in asset management (e.g., water tanks, pumps, computers, buildings, etc.) which is key in the overall financial performance and the sustainability of water systems. When boards, managers and operators work together, with proper planning, emergencies can be avoided and overall costs will be reduced….

Getting Small Water Systems Ready for Funding (Idaho)

April 10, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Mountain Time
Twin Falls County Offices, Twin Falls, Idaho

In today’s world, access to clean, reliable water sources remains a pressing challenge. Small water systems, whether they serve local communities, rural areas, or specific institutions, play a crucial role in ensuring that every individual can access safe drinking water….

Public Notification for Small Utilities (Washington)

April 9, 2024 | Eastern Washington
April 10, 2024 | Northwestern Washington
April 11, 2024 | Southwestern Washington
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time
Online
The public notice requirement of the Safe Drinking Water Act requires water suppliers to provide this notice, and sets strict requirements of the form, manner, content, and frequency of public notices. EPA….

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.