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, 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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Friday, Jun 22, 2018

Posted in: Featured News, Network News

Network News June 2018

On a sunny fall day, Santos Obedoza approaches a fire hydrant on the Upper Lake Rancheria here in Northern California. With wrench in hand, he gingerly begins turning the hydrant’s lock and valve to open and flush them. In minutes, the water gushes across the road.
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Monday, Jun 18, 2018

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

More housing needed in California’s Sonoma County, but no solid plans to build

In a recent housing study, researchers say that California lawmakers need to allow for more homebuilding, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area. In Sonoma County, the need for affordable housing is particularly acute but, some say, residents living in the mostly rural county are uneasy with more people moving to and living in the region.
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Connecting people to the future

News & Publications

Recent News

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

Network News June 2018

More housing needed in California’s Sonoma County, but no solid plans to build

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