USDA Public-Private Partnership Accepting Technical Assistance Applications for Rural Capacity Building
-
USDA Public-Private Partnership Accepting Technical Assistance Applications for Rural Capacity BuildingFebruary 11, 2019February 11, 2019, 2:45 pm
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on February 11, 2019 – in coordination with NACo, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, McClure Engineering Company, and Purdue University Extension/Community & Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky – that they will begin accepting applications from rural communities seeking technical assistance through the Rural Economic Development Innovation (REDI) initiative. REDI is a new partnership initiative developed through the USDA’s Rural Development Innovation Center to help build capacity in rural communities and create foundations for rural prosperity.
Chosen applicants will receive free technical assistance to develop and implement rural economic development plans and projects. In order to participate in REDI, county and regional leaders are asked to form teams and apply. NACo is excited to partner on the REDI initiative to enhance rural vitality and build stronger rural economies by continuing to provide educational and interactive tools, trainings and other resources to our nation’s rural counties. NACo will work directly with the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) on this new initiative to develop an interactive, team-based peer-learning program that will:
- Educate and inspire county and regional leaders to think creatively and regionally about new strategies and solutions;
- Facilitate multijurisdictional collaboration and partnerships among neighboring counties; and
- Empower counties to develop and implement economic and community strategies with a focus on economic diversification, workforce development, asset-based development and technology and e-connectivity.
This program and peer network will include hands-on, interactive training workshops, team mentoring, educational webinars and other interactive learning opportunities. County and regional best practice case studies will also be developed to help other rural communities in America replicate strategies that make sense for them.
This partnership underscores the importance for rural counties to leverage regional assets as a foundation for substantive and sustainable economic growth. To help promote regional economic development, NACo has championed a major provision within the past two farm bills which incentivizes regional economic development plans. The Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) Program allows rural counties to increase the likelihood of funding projects that are components of a multi-jurisdictional economic development plan. For more information on the SECD Program and other rural development priorities, click here.
Rural communities with 50,000 or fewer people are eligible to apply. Applications will be scored, reviewed and selected on a competitive basis.
Click here for the REDI application
The application deadline is April 5, 2019.
Interested counties can learn more about this initiative and opportunity by viewing a recorded webinar here.
To learn more, please reference www.usda.gov/RDInnovation or contact NACo Program Manager Jack Morgan for more information.
About Jack Morgan (Full Bio)
Senior Program Manager – Resilient Economies and Communities
Jack is the senior program manager for Resilient Economies and Communities in NACo's Counties Futures Lab. He handles community and economic development, resilience, energy and transportation grants and programs. Jack also serves as the NACo staff liaison to the National Association of County Planners (NACP).More from Jack Morgan
-
Blog
Applications Open for Initiative to Support Rural County Residents with Substance Use Disorders
The United States is experiencing an epidemic of drug overdose deaths. While no corner of the country has gone untouched, the overdose crisis has hit rural America particularly hard. Between 1999 and 2015, overdose deaths increased 325 percent in rural counties. -
County News
One size doesn't fit all when growing rural prosperity
Tailored, resilient, inclusive and collaborative efforts are crucial to making the most of what rural counties have to offer. -
County News
As RAC celebrates 25 years, eyes are on next year's farm bill
The next farm bill will be here before you know it! -
Blog
USDA Rural Development accepting public comments on Build America, Buy America waiver
On July 5, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced that it is accepting public comments on a proposed 6-month waiver for implementation of the Build America, Buy America Act under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. -
Policy Brief
Support County Priorities as Congress Begins Work on Next Farm Bill
ACTION NEEDED: This year, Congress began laying the foundation for the reauthorization of a new Farm Bill. Current legislation, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334), expires at the end of FY 2023. NACo continues to work to preserve county priorities. -
County News
Flood damage cuts off Montana counties from Yellowstone
It was a lean two years in Gardiner, Mont. As the COVID-19 pandemic depressed two summers’ worth of visitors to Yellowstone National Park, businesses in the 900-person Park County town bided their time and looked ahead to the fated “normal summer” when they could serve tourists again.
-
Webinar
Reaching Rural: Advancing Collaborative Solutions
NACo and partners at Bureau of Justice Assistance, CDC and State Justice Institute are excited to announce the new initiative,08312:00 pm<p>NACo and partners at <a href="https://bja.ojp.gov/" target="_blank">Bureau of Justice Assistance</a>, <a href="htt
-
Basic page
TestIT: How Fast is Your Broadband
NACo has partnered with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) to develop a mobile app designed to identify areas with low or no connectivity to help ensure adequate funding for broadband infrastructure is provided across the country.page<p>Accurate connectivity data is the foundation for investments in broadband infrastructure.
-
Basic pageAgriculture & Rural Affairs Steering Committee
Responsible for all matters pertaining to USDA agriculture, rural development programs, rural renewable energy development, research and extension, food safety, and conservation programs. Policy Platform 2021-2022 2022 NACo Legislative Prioritiespage<p>Responsible for all matters pertaining to USDA agriculture, rural development programs, rural renewable energy development, research and extension, food safety, and conservation programs. </p>
-
Basic pageRural Action Caucus
NACo's Rural Action Caucus (RAC) is a key component of NACo. RAC is the voice for America's rural counties before Congress and the Administration. Nearly two-thirds of the nation's 3,069 counties are designated as rural, with a combined population of 60 million.page<p>NACo's Rural Action Caucus (RAC) is a key component of NACo. RAC is the voice for America's rural counties before Congress and the Administration. Nearly two-thirds of the nation'
Contact
-
Senior Program Manager – Resilient Economies and Communities(202) 942-4274