RCAC’s programs and services deliver solutions to complex community needs. Our local presence allows us to develop partnerships with communities to identify needs, set goals, and select the best options to meet those goals. RCAC and our partners provide the tools to create change and growth, but the communities chart their own course. Collaboration, plus community effort will equal community change. How can we help you?

RCAC’s Loan Fund is a financial resource for rural communities. The Loan Fund fills financing gaps and serves in unconventional markets. We offer loans for affordable housing development, environmental infrastructure, community facilities and small businesses in rural locations.

Decent housing, safe drinking water, education, financing, jobs, community facilities, leadership, families are the many facets to RCAC's work.

RCAC expands the knowledge base of the rural public through education and training. Our training expertise is in technical, financial, and administrative issues that affect rural communities. We take great pride in our professional trainer team's capacity and effectiveness. Our trainers maximize audience participation to keep trainings relevant and memorable.

RCAC's news and publications are a compilation of timely news, announcements and accomplishments produced for the rural development world.

Sub-standard housing and poverty are commonplace in low-income rural communities. Many of these communities also face daunting challenges to access safe, clean drinking water and to develop other vital infrastructure. These issues are often overlooked in policy because rural communities lack the resources, training or social networks that are found in urban areas. Learn how you can advocate for the under-served population in the West.

Founded in 1978, RCAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides training, technical and financial resources and advocacy so rural communities can achieve their goals and visions. For more than 40 years, our dedicated staff and active board, coupled with our key values: leadership, collaboration, commitment, quality and integrity, have helped effect positive change in rural communities across the West. Learn more about who we are and how we operate.

Connecting people to the future

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News & Publications

Recent News

Thursday, Jul 05, 2018

Posted in: Economic issues, Featured News, Rachel Smith

Using history as a guide to address rural American challenges

Rural America has experienced significant disruptions in its labor force and population due in part to automation in its most vulnerable industries; but the solution to thriving America’s rural towns could be found in history.
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Monday, Jul 02, 2018

Posted in: Affordable Housing, California, Elizabeth Zach, Featured News

Buying a home in California remains difficult even for well-earning residents

More than 40 years after Gov. Jerry Brown created the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), many of the state’s families still find it difficult, if not impossible, to afford a home. The agency was and is geared toward low- and moderate-income families. According to its records, however, only 124 households earning more than $100,000 obtained a loan through CalHFA in fiscal year 2016.
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Thursday, Jun 28, 2018

Posted in: California, Elizabeth Zach, Featured News, Homelessness

Rural homelessness in California, particularly among youth, on the rise

Rural youth homelessness, according to government records, is on the rise in California. The California Department of Education (DOE) reports that the while the number of homeless young people increased 20 percent statewide from 2014 to 2016, the rate of young homeless people in many rural areas jumped more significantly.
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Connecting people to the future

News & Publications

Recent News

Using history as a guide to address rural American challenges

Buying a home in California remains difficult even for well-earning residents

Rural homelessness in California, particularly among youth, on the rise

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