The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is a critical step in getting the U.S. economy back on track, getting children back to school, getting COVID-19 vaccinations to all Americans, and pulling millions out of poverty. Provisions within the jurisdiction of the USDA will reduce hunger across the country, strengthen the food supply chain, invest in rural America, and provide long-awaited support to underserved, socially disadvantaged farmers.

The 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure reveals we've made some incremental progress toward restoring our nation's infrastructure. For the first time in 20 years, our infrastructure is out of the D range. While this report grades 17 categories individually, our infrastructure is a system of systems and more connected than ever before.

St. Peter, MN wants the "no-empty-storefronts" look to stay that way, despite COVID-19's direct hit on small-business owners' livelihoods. New programs have been created by the city during the coronavirus pandemic that provide financial assistance to a variety of stores and services, including a microloan program that allows owners of small businesses in town to borrow up to $10,000.

The COVID-19 relief bill is expected to provide much-needed economic relief for Michigan's small towns and rural communities. Along with direct stimulus payments, extended unemployment benefits, and increased food assistance, the bill will fund the expansion of vaccine distribution by rural hospitals, provide mortgage assistance for low-income rural households behind in payments, and expand broadband access and provide internet-connected devices to vulnerable students.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is seeking comments on a final rule to expand broadband service in rural areas by simplifying program requirements to make more companies eligible to participate in USDA's ReConnect Program.

Education, rural infrastructure, transportation, affordable housing, and homelessness were among the big winners in Utah's budget this year. The upcoming budget includes $115 million to create revolving loan funds to help cities and counties fund project areas, with $75 million set aside for Utah Inland Port Authority project areas and $40 million mostly for loans for rural broadband infrastructure.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced more than $4.6 million in state Rural Infrastructure Fund awards for north Florida communities devastated by Hurricane Michael in October 2018. The idea is to fund "planning, preparing, and financing of infrastructure projects in rural communities, encourage job creation, capital investment, and the strengthening and diversification of rural economies through the promotion of tourism, trade, and economic development."

The USDA announced it is investing $42.3 million to help rural residents gain access to health care and educational opportunities, including $24 million provided through the CARES Act. Rural areas are seeing higher infection and death rates related to COVID-19 due to several factors, including a much higher percentage of underlying conditions, difficulty accessing medical care, and lack of health insurance.

CDFA Rural Development Finance Webinar Series: Financing Disaster Resiliency in Rural Communities
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern

CDFA-Bricker PACE Webinar Series: How PACE Gets Utilized Across All Market Segments
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 - 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Eastern

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The federal programs and tools available today to help generate social and economic development in rural communities serve as a reminder of active and broad federal involvement in the 20th century, and the possibilities for federal leadership to help rural communities meet the current moment. Yet they are outdated, fragmented, and incoherent. This report identifies over 400 programs open to rural communities for economic and community development, spanning 13 departments, 10 independent agencies, and over 50 offices and sub-agencies.

During this installment of the CDFA Federal Financing Webinar Series, experts from the SBA, EDA, and USDA provided an analysis of its small business support programs and discuss strategies for distributing capital to small businesses in disadvantaged areas.

The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program, administered by the National Park Service in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Offices, is the nation's most effective program to promote historic preservation and community revitalization through historic rehabilitation. The 2020 annual report for the Historic Tax Credit program shares accomplishments and select projects from the past year.

The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority authored this affordable housing needs assessment in 2020. Housing markets in New Mexico vary widely between larger metro areas, many of which are growing and stable, and rural areas with declining populations and low economic activity.

>>> SEARCH RURAL DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES