Senate confirms Glen Smith as USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development

Key Takeaways

On August 7, the U.S. Senate confirmed Glen Smith as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development. The confirmation fills a key leadership position at the USDA that oversees federal programs which provide loans, grants and loan guarantees to rural counties across the country. 

Since January 2025, the USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development position has remained vacant, leaving the USDA Rural Development mission area without a Senate-confirmed leader for more than a year. Undersecretary Smith takes the position as USDA Rural Development continues efforts to improve program delivery and access to federal resources for rural counties.

Read USDA press release

Why Rural Development leadership matters to counties

The USDA Rural Development administers programs supporting rural housing, utilities, community facilities and economic development. Through these programs, counties can access loans, grants and loan guarantees to support drinking water and wastewater systems, broadband and electric infrastructure, housing, community facilities and rural businesses, to advance locally driven projects.

NACo had previously called for the confirmation of an Under Secretary for Rural Development to provide stable, experienced leadership that can drive coordinated and strategic investments in rural communities. Counties applaud the confirmation of an Under Secretary for Rural Development and look forward to working with Undersecretary Smith to support rural counties across the nation.