RCRC Requests Inclusion of California in the Rural Partners Network

On March 26th, RCRC sent a letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack, urging him to consider California’s rural communities in any next selection cohort for the Rural Partners Network (RPN).  The letter also suggested that RCRC could serve as the local/regional anchor host. The RPN was launched in April 2022, and communities within the network collaborate with federal agencies to access resources and funding, aiming to create local jobs, build infrastructure, and foster long-term economic stability on their own terms. The RPN establishes community networks in rural areas, where local leaders and residents work alongside civic organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and development agencies.

RCRC believes that California’s rural counties might have been unintentionally overlooked during the selection process due to population hubs. Earlier in March, RCRC met with Mr. Lee Jones, Executive Director of RPN, to gain insight into the selection process. Last August, RCRC aided Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) in writing a similar letter calling for California's inclusion in the RPN. That letter was signed by many members of RCRC's delegation including Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-San Benito), Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), Jared Huffman (D-Marina), Jim Costa (D-Tulare), Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena), and David Valadao (R-Hanford).