RCRC Concludes 2024 Annual Meeting in Sonoma County

SACRAMENTO, CA – On Friday, September 20, the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) concluded their Annual Meeting, held at the Double Tree by Hilton in Sonoma County, California. This year, over 300 local government representatives attended the meeting, representing RCRC’s 40 member counties.

The event featured experts sharing their knowledge on issues pertinent to rural governance. This included engaging panel discussions with specialists in clean energy, regenerative agriculture, politics, sustainable forest management, short-term rentals, as well as a message from California State Senator Mike McGuire.

“At RCRC’s Annual Meeting, we witnessed the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to advancing rural communities across California. This event is a testament to the strength and resilience of our local leaders, who come together to address pressing challenges and celebrate innovative solutions,” said RCRC Chair and Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez. “Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the panelists whose expertise illuminated our discussions, and to every attendee whose engagement and dedication drive meaningful change for our rural communities.”

In addition to the panel discussions, attendees were treated to an inspiring session with a delegation from Rikuzentakata, Japan, sharing their remarkable story of resilience and leadership in the aftermath of the 2011 Tsunami, as well as the enduring and unexpected bond they formed with the high school students and leaders of Del Norte County.

During the event, attendees also participated in the RCRC Annual Auction and Basket Drawing, where county-themed baskets are auctioned off to support a select number of charities in the county of the RCRC Chair. The event concluded with a meeting of rural county administrators and a joint meeting of the RCRC Board of Directors with its affiliate entities Golden State Finance Authority and Golden State Connect Authority.

“It has been an honor to host RCRC’s Annual Meeting in Sonoma County, a pivotal event for rural leaders across California. This meeting not only highlights the fortitude and ingenuity of our communities but also fosters critical dialogue and partnership,” said James Gore, an RCRC Board Delegate, President of the National Association of Counties, and Sonoma County Supervisor. “Thank you to everyone who joined us in this endeavor, as your contributions are essential in shaping the future of rural California.”

RCRC’s Annual Meeting provides a venue for rural leaders to gather and engage on important issues affecting rural counties. To learn more about RCRC, visit www.rcrcnet.org.

The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a forty-member county service organization that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties. RCRC is dedicated to representing the collective unique interests of its membership, providing legislative and regulatory representation at the State and Federal levels, and providing responsible services for its members to enhance and protect the quality of life in rural California counties. To learn more about RCRC, visit rcrcnet.org and follow @RuralCounties on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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