Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC)/

Building Rural Economies

RCAC’s Building Rural Economies initiative was created to ensure that rural communities throughout the West will be vibrant, healthy and enduring. RCAC works with local sponsor organizations to network, train leaders, plan economic development strategies, and support plan implementation. Sponsor organizations are identified through our current client networks in rural communities across our 13-state footprint. Currently, four communities (Mora, NM; Enterprise, OR; Goshute Tribe, UT; and Green River, UT) are designated as Building Rural Economies communities.

RCAC brings almost 37 years of experience in community development to this program, as well as a wealth of resources that include a time-tested leadership program, and RCAC’s Loan Fund and ability to access other financing tools. Additionally, our reputation for subject matter expertise in infrastructure development and operations, affordable housing development and community development lending is unmatched.

RCAC has a straightforward approach to build rural economies: we start with assets. Too often, community planning focuses on needs and problems. RCAC concentrates instead on local resources, markets and opportunities, then builds a network of leaders, entrepreneurs and support around these assets. We provide targeted support to community leaders and entrepreneurs to develop local business opportunities; make public policy changes; access financial resources; and use best practice and market information.

The outcomes of this strategy often include increased local entrepreneurs and jobs; catalytic projects that seed additional investments; and an improved and supportive environment for local/rural community economic development.

RCAC’s Building Rural Economies initiative is based on many successful rural economic development initiatives around the country. We add our deep history, our network of relationships in the rural west, our commitment to our mission, and the resources we bring to both planning and implementation. RCAC is rooted in core values that include a passionate dedication to improving rural communities and the lives of low-income residents.