A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC’s affiliate entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities.
Rural Advancement Institute Chair Highlights Work Advancing Rural Communities
At the RCRC Annual Meeting, RAI Chair and Lassen County Supervisor Aaron Albaugh highlighted the vital work of the Rural Advancement Institute, RCRC’s research and education affiliate. He shared how RAI leverages research and educational opportunities to help inform policymakers and the public about the challenges and opportunities facing rural California.
During his presentation, Supervisor Albaugh spotlighted RAI’s partnerships with higher education institutions to explore pressing and often under-researched issues, including a recent study with UC Santa Barbara on rural fire and emergency medical services capacity challenges. He then introduced a video showcasing RAI’s Immersive Learning Experience in Monterey County, which explored innovations, workforce development, and agricultural sustainability.
Watch the full video: https://vimeo.com/1121692400. To learn more about RAI and how you can support its work, please visit www.ruraladvance.org or contact Maggie Chui at mchui@rcrcnet.org.
GSCA Launches Website for Golden State Fiber
Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA), in partnership with UTOPIA Fiber, is set to begin construction later this year to deploy an Open-Access, municipal fiber network in seven rural communities in California under the name Golden State Fiber.
In preparation for the development of this network, GSCA has officially launched a website for Golden State Fiber, along with accompanying social media accounts. These will serve as communication tools with project communities, providing information about the upcoming broadband service, with further outreach methods to come in the near future.
Check out Golden State Fiber’s website: www.goldenstatefiber.com
And follow Golden State Fiber on social media:
- Instagram: GStateFiber
- Facebook: @GoldenStateFiber
- X: @GStateFiber
Program Update: ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance (HBA) Program
Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) is pleased to share that a new allocation of funding for the ReCoverCA HBA Program will be available beginning November 10, 2025.
This round of funding—up to $300,000 in forgivable loan assistance per household—is available to renters and former homeowners who were living in designated disaster areas during the 2023 and 2024 California floods. For the first 60 days after launch, priority will be given to households that can demonstrate they were directly impacted by the flood events.
Qualifying Disaster Areas:
- 2023 Floods: Hoopa Valley Tribe (ZIP 95546), Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Tulare, and Tuolumne Counties
- 2024 Floods: San Diego County
The program is designed to help eligible low- and moderate-income households transition into safe, stable homeownership outside of high-risk flood and fire zones. Assistance may be applied toward down payment, closing costs, and other upfront expenses, with the loan fully forgiven after five years of owner occupancy.
For program details and resources, visit: www.gsfahome.org/recoverca-hba.
We encourage county supervisors to share this information with constituents and local partners to help flood-impacted households access this important resource.