RCRC gathered at its annual reception on Wednesday, January 8th, to celebrate the RCRC 2025 Officers and to honor the recipients of the 2024 Rural Leadership Awards.
The Rural Leadership Awards are presented to two public officials who have demonstrated an understanding of, and distinctive leadership regarding rural county issues. Although he was unable to attend due to the wildfires burning in his district, RCRC honored Senator Ben Allen (SD-24), for his contributions supporting rural communities. As Chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee, his leadership has been pivotal in securing legislative relief, enhanced flexibility, and critical funding for rural counties, particularly in solid waste management, organic waste processing, and recycling initiatives. Additionally, Senator Allen championed substantial legislation and funding for wildfire prevention and response. The second recipient was Assembly Member Tom Lackey (AD-34) for his unwavering advocacy on behalf of rural counties, championing issues such as local government funding, organic waste implementation, programmatic CEQA reform, public safety, and local control, while leveraging his local government experience to ensure rural priorities are addressed at the state level.
The 2025 RCRC Officers were installed during the Board of Directors meeting earlier that day, with the official Oath of Office administered by U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa (CA-01). RCRC Chair, Modoc County Supervisor Geri Byrne; First Vice Chair, Mariposa County Supervisor Miles Menetrey; Second Vice Chair, Santa Barbara Supervisor Bob Nelson; and Immediate Past Chair, Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez, were recognized at the reception for leading the organization in championing policies on behalf of California’s rural counties.
Read the full press release here.