In this issue:

Sweet RELieF: RCAC loan helps woman-owned organic farm flourish amid pandemic

When COVID-19 struck, Rock Front Ranch in California’s Cuyama Valley faced an uncertain future. With a $25,000 loan from RCAC’s RELieF program and dedicated training from RCAC’s BRE team, this regenerative organic farm not only weathered the storm but emerged with an even stronger foundation for future success.

Case study: La Jolla Potable Water Pipe Replacement Project

The La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians is a designated Colonia located in the Pauma Valley, California. It has a population of 265. Rural Community Assistance Corporation partnered with the La Jolla Tribe through the San Diego Integrated Water Management Plan to address inadequate water supply and quality issues.

Training highlights

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

California’s New Cross-Connection Control Handbook: An Overview (California)
October 10, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Pacific Time | Sea Ranch: Del Mar Recreation Center, Sea Ranch, California

The Water Board is in the final stages of developing and implementing a Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH). The primary objective of the CCCPH is to protect public health by establishing standards intended to ensure a public water system (PWS)’s drinking water distribution system will not be subject to the backflow of liquids, gases or other substances. In addition, by providing basic educational information on backflow prevention, the State Water Resources Control Board intends to build awareness within the regulated community regarding the importance of backflow protection and cross-connection control, leading to the implementation of a robust cross-connection control program by PWSs. This in-person learning event will provide an overview of the proposed requirements of the CCCPH and the effect that it may have on a water system’s backflow control program.

Asset Management & Capital Improvement Planning (California)
October 11, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Pacific Time | Sea Ranch: Del Mar Recreation Center, Sea Ranch, California

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 and sustainability of the water system. With proper planning, emergencies can be avoided and overall costs will be reduced. A capital improvement plan (CIP) prioritizes the replacement or installation of infrastructure assets. It includes the forecasting and budgeting of capital outlay and is an integral part of the budgeting and rate-setting process for even very small water systems.

Fundamentals of Financial Management for Small Utilities (Oregon)
October 11, 2023 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time | Online

Would you like to have a better understanding of how to sustain your system’s financial position? Here’s your chance. We would like to invite you to join us for a Fundamentals of Financial Management for Small Utilities training showcasing 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.

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.