Where: Green River, Utah
Problem: Rural communities lack economic opportunities.
Solution: RCAC staff provides assistance through the Building Rural Economies program.

The city of Green River, like many western rural communities, lacks economic opportunities. Young people are leaving town, wages are low and housing is deteriorating. Residents and visiting workers face a lack of adequate, affordable housing. The town’s main street, once vibrant and alive, is now a venue of boarded up hotels, restaurants and gas stations. Tourists heading to the nearby national parks (Arches and Canyonlands), pull off Interstate 70 to fuel their cars and recreational vehicles at Green River gas stations however, few stay to explore the recreational wonders and opportunities along the Green River and the adjacent San Rafael Swell wilderness area.

To help improve the community’s economic outlook, RCAC worked with the city of Green River’s citizens through the Building Rural Economies (BRE) initiative to develop an action plan, objectives and timeframes for economic development projects. During the past year, RCAC worked with the nonprofit organization Epicenter to help increase its organizational capacity, helping to write a funding application to USDA RD Rural Business Development Grant Program (RBDG). The organization was awarded a $24,000 grant to continue to assist small local businesses with expansion and business creation. RCAC is also working alongside Epicenter to develop the “Green River Downtown Development Plan.” Through the RBDG grant, the organization will offer a series of workshops for Green River businesses. RCAC and Epicenter have partnered with the Small Business Development Center and Emery County Economic Development Director. RCAC is also working alongside Epicenter to develop the “Green River Downtown Development Plan.”

The BRE strategy concentrates on local resources, markets and opportunities, and then builds a network of leaders, entrepreneurs and support around these assets.

As one of four RCAC designated BRE communities, Green River benefits from RCAC’s 35 years of experience in community development and a wealth of resources including a time-tested leadership program and RCAC’s Loan Fund. RCAC provides targeted support to community leaders and entrepreneurs to develop local business opportunities; make public policy changes; access financial resources; and use best practices and market information