On August 26, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) withdrew funding for four projects related to California’s High-Speed Rail project: Le Grand Overcrossing Project on the Merced Extension (CHSRA;...
The North State Planning and Development Collective at Chico State is a leader in economic development and GIS, dedicated to finding solutions for the region’s most pressing issues. From protecting and enhancing our natural resources to workforce development and...
A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC’s affiliate entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities. GSCA Update – August 2025 Draft bid packages for Golden State Connect Authority’s (GSCA) broadband...
Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California’s rural counties. Bryan Bishop, of Placer County, has been appointed Director of Division of Adult Parole Operations at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Bishop...
RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications. How California can support rural volunteer firefighters – Sacramento Bee In a commentary to the The...
After weeks of searching, the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (BOF) has named a new Executive Officer. Late last week, Tony Anderson was appointed by the BOF as the Executive Director, replacing Edith Hannigan who left earlier this year. Andersen...
Assembly Bill 632, sponsored by RCRC and authored by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara), seeks to strengthen local enforcement mechanisms for state housing law violations, fire hazards, and unlicensed cannabis activities by providing more penalty collection...
Congress is set to return from recess on September 2nd, giving lawmakers just four weeks to avert a government shutdown and reauthorize the Farm Bill before the September 30th deadline. This is alongside growing pressure to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools Act,...
At Anthem, we’re committed to being a valued health care partner and working together to transform health care with trusted and caring solutions. We’re developing the technology, solutions and programs that give members greater access to care and working...
Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California’s rural counties. Giselle Morris, of Hollister, has been reappointed to the California Youth Empowerment Commission, where she has served since 2024. Morris has been an Intern for the...
RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications. California’s self-own on wind and solar – POLITICO RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, John Kennedy, is...
“Early Bird” registration for RCRC’s 2025 Annual Meeting ends today, August 15th. RCRC’s 2025 Annual Meeting will be held September 17–19, 2025 at the Everline Resort & Spa in Olympic Valley (Placer County). Check out this year’s program...
RCRC, in coalition with our public agency partners, strongly opposes Assembly Bill 340, authored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Cupertino). This measure seeks to broadly expand confidential communication protections by barring a public employer from questioning...
Comcast appreciates the partnership of our Rural Counties in connecting everyone to quality broadband. Here is a video celebrating one year in the rural community of Caruthers. Watch this brief video to learn more and be sure to connect with Comcast at RCRC’s...
Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California’s rural counties. John Ohanian, of Vacaville, has been appointed Policy Advisor for Data Exchange at the California Department of Health Care Services. Ohanian has been Chief Data Officer...
RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications. Is ‘carrier of last resort’ on its way out? – Capitol Weekly The Rural County Representatives of...
This week, RCRC President and CEO Patrick Blacklock sat down with the host of KZYX Mendocino’s Gower Hour, Bode Gower, to talk about rural issues. Together, they explored a variety of topics including broadband access, one-size-fits-all state policies, wildfire...
RCRC supports the bipartisan More Opportunities for Rural Economies (MORE) Grants Package, introduced by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Steve Daines (R-MT) on August 4. The two pieces of legislation in this package aim to help...
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has released several amendments to the Homekey+ Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). These amendments include the following: HCD will to continue accepting Homekey+ applications over the counter...
As California’s largest public agency broker and consultant, Alliant delivers unmatched expertise in: Property & Casualty Employee Benefits Public Works Construction Retirement Consulting Human Capital Consulting For over 100 years, Alliant’s approach has...
Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California’s rural counties. Kenneth McDaniel, of San Luis Obispo County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Luis Obispo Superior Court. McDaniel has served as a Commissioner at the San...
RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications. ‘It’s hard to put myself in their shoes’: Local leaders, fire officials reflect on rebuilding after...
RCRC and GSFA (Golden State Finance Authority) have recently initiated a program to assist member counties in filing “test claims” with the Commission on State Mandates as part of an overall strategy to obtain reimbursements for county costs associated with...
On July 31, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Mortgage Relief for Disaster Survivors Act. This measure would grant homeowners in areas that have received disaster declarations from the President, Governors, or Tribal leaders,...
On July 29, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin released the EPA’s proposal to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which has been used to justify over $1 trillion in regulations, including the Biden-Harris Administration’s...
On July 29, the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee on Monday advanced the nomination of Michael Boren nomination to oversee the Forest Service as Undersecretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment. The vote was 12-11, with all...
SitelogIQ is proud to be your Premier Rural County Design-Build Partner – Together, we build Sustainable Community Infrastructure! We are proud to be a U.S Owned & Operated, Nationally-Accredited Energy Services Company committed to delivering top-tier energy...
Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California’s rural counties. Karin Eugenio, of Imperial, has been appointed to the 45th District Agricultural Association – Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta Board. Eugenio has been a Government Affairs...
RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications. Federal forestry cuts fuel wildfire, resource concerns – Ag Alert RCRC’s Senior Policy Advocate Staci...
On July 25, RCRC submitted a coalition letter urging the Legislature to “fix” a newly-created California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption for day care centers and strongly requests elected officials and local organizations to sign on to a follow-up coalition...
Sarah Dukett
Senior Policy Advocate
Leigh Kammerich
Senior Policy Advocate
John Kennedy
Senior Policy Advocate
Staci Heaton
Senior Policy Advocate
Tracy Rhine
Senior Policy Advocate
Eric Will
Policy Advocate
Mary-Ann Warmerdam
Senior Vice President Governmental Affairs