FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RCRC Contact:
Carolyn Jhajj
Communications Director
916.447.4806
SACRAMENTO, CA – The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) concluded its 2026 Annual Meeting on Friday, September 25, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort in Santa Barbara County. The three-day event brought together more than 300 local government representatives from RCRC’s 40 member counties to engage in meaningful discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing California’s rural communities.
This year’s Annual Meeting featured a robust agenda of speakers and expert-led panels focused on strengthening tourism, fostering healthy communities, building impactful partnerships, and promoting effective governance. Attendees heard from keynote speaker Temple Grandin, who shared her remarkable personal journey and the experiences, challenges, and insights that shaped her groundbreaking career and advocacy work. The program also featured a welcome address from Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón.
“This year’s Annual Meeting highlighted the strength of rural California and the importance of coming together to address shared challenges and opportunities,” said RCRC Chair and Mariposa County Supervisor Miles Menetrey. “From discussions on economic development and community well-being to conversations about governance and innovation, our counties continue to demonstrate a commitment to finding practical solutions that improve the quality of life for rural residents.”
A highlight of the meeting was the RCRC Annual County Basket Drawing and Auction, a long-standing tradition in which county-themed baskets are auctioned to raise funds for local charities. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit organizations serving Mariposa County, honoring Supervisor Menetrey’s tenure as Chair.
Santa Barbara County Supervisor and RCRC First Vice Chair Bob Nelson, who helped welcome attendees to the region, emphasized the value of gathering in person to share ideas and strengthen partnerships.
“Santa Barbara County was honored to host this year’s Annual Meeting and welcome leaders from across rural California,” said Nelson. “The conversations and relationships built during this event help strengthen our collective voice and ensure rural counties are working together to address the unique needs of our communities.”
The Annual Meeting concluded with a meeting of rural county administrators and a joint session of the RCRC Board of Directors and its affiliate organizations, the Golden State Finance Authority and the Golden State Connect Authority, furthering collaborative efforts to improve infrastructure, expand broadband access, and support economic development in rural regions.
For more information about RCRC and its ongoing work to advocate for California’s rural counties, please visit www.rcrcnet.org.
ABOUT RURAL COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA (RCRC)
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.
