Oct 03, 2025

Barbed Wire   |   federal budget   |   federal issues Federal Government Shutdown Begins: What It Means for Rural Communities

The federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., following the rejection of H.R. 5371 in the U.S. Senate. Federal agencies have begun implementing contingency plans, due to a lapse in appropriations. While essential services such as Social Security and Medicare continue, many departments are reducing operations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior (DOI), which provide critical support to rural areas, are among those affected.

Oct 03, 2025

Barbed Wire   |   Sponsored Bill Governor Signs RCRC Bill Increasing Funding for Rural CUPAs

On October 1, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 993 (Hadwick), co-sponsored by RCRC and the California Association of Environmental Health Administrators. AB 993 expands eligibility

Oct 03, 2025

Barbed Wire Cannabis Equity Grants Announced

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GoBiz) announced the opening of the Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions with $15 million available for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Local jurisdictions can be awarded

Oct 03, 2025

Barbed Wire Padilla, Schiff Announce Bipartisan Bills to Support Over 2,000 Acres of Tribal Land Management

On September 29, the U.S. Senators of California, Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, announced a trio of bipartisan, bicameral bills to promote Tribal management of over 2,000 acres of land in California. The bills would transfer federal land to

Oct 03, 2025

Barbed Wire Bipartisan Letter Calls on Congressional Leadership to Extend Telehealth Access for Seniors

On September 30, a bipartisan coalition of 70 Members of Congress urged House and Senate leadership to extend telehealth coverage benefits to preserve access

Oct 03, 2025

Barbed Wire   |   Weekly News Clips Weekly News Clips - The Barbed Wire - October 3, 2025

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.

Sep 25, 2025

Annual Meeting 2025   |   Barbed Wire RCRC’s 2025 Annual Meeting in Placer County Highlights Key Issues for Rural Communities

RCRC wishes to thank the participants of the 2025 Annual Meeting, our generous sponsors, and the expert panelists, industry insiders, and our keynote speaker who, together, made this a memorable event. This year, over 325 participants gathered in Placer County for the event, which featured

Sep 25, 2025

Barbed Wire Register Now - SB 54 Plastic Packaging Consultation Webinars Begin September 30

The Circular Action Alliance will kick off its California Consultation Series to engage with California cities, counties, and stakeholders to inform its implementation of the SB 54 single use packaging law

Sep 25, 2025

Barbed Wire CARB Proposes Major Updates to Landfill Methane Regulation

On September 23, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released proposed regulations updating its existing Landfill Methane Regulation (LRM).  The release begins the formal regulatory process.  Written comments must be submitted by November 10th, and CARB will hold a hearing

Sep 25, 2025

Barbed Wire USDA Awards Grants to Community Fire Resilience Projects

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $200 million in grant funding for 58 community wildfire resilience projects across the nation. This funding includes nearly $25 million