FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carolyn Jhajj
Communications Director
916-447-4806
cjhajj@rcrcnet.org
Monterey County Hosts RCRC Board of Directors Meeting and Tour
Sacramento, CA – This week the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) Board Chair and Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez hosted the May 2024 RCRC Board of Directors meeting in Monterey County. The two-day event featured the RCRC Board of Directors meeting at the Monterey County Government Building in Salinas, California, as well as a tour showcasing local agriculture businesses and pioneering nonprofits in Monterey County.
“It has been a privilege welcoming fellow rural county leaders from across California to our community. Our time together fostered crucial discussions on pressing issues facing rural communities and provided an opportunity to highlight innovative industry within our county," said Supervisor Lopez. " I also extend my gratitude to the representatives from our robust agricultural and non-profit sectors who shared their dedicated efforts to developing quality produce and investing in the future of our youth."
The RCRC Board of Directors meeting featured a dedicated workshop where supervisors provided input to help support the development of RCRC's 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. This collaborative effort ensures the organization remains strategically positioned to address the evolving needs of its member counties. The Board also reviewed key state and federal legislation, gaining a deeper understanding of current policy landscapes and their potential impacts on rural communities. The agenda can be accessed here.
In a separate session, supervisors convened with representatives from affiliated entities, the Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) and the Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA). GSFA provided an overview of their housing assistance programs, while GSCA provided an update on their efforts to establish open-access municipal broadband networks in rural California. During their visit, rural leaders also embarked on a tour highlighting the agricultural industry in Monterey County. With informative visits to Tanimura & Antle, the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s Agricultural Research Technology Center, and Constellation Brands, participants gained valuable insights into the integral role of agriculture in the region's economy.
The itinerary also featured a visit to Rancho Cielo Youth Campus, a pioneering Monterey County nonprofit, that offers career development and personal growth opportunities to youth throughout the community. As is an organizational tradition, the RCRC Chair hosts a Board of Directors meeting in their county during their tenure. The May RCRC Board of Directors meeting brought over 40 elected Supervisors and rural county leaders to Monterey County.
ABOUT RURAL COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA (RCRC)
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a forty-member county strong 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.
ABOUT THE COUNTY OF MONTEREY
One of the first counties established in California in 1850, Monterey County has evolved into a vibrant community with a population of over 439,000 residents. The County of Monterey is comprised of 27 departments, over 5,100 employees, a premier County Hospital, and five elected members of the Board of Supervisors which oversee the County's governmental business. Home to iconic attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the historic Cannery Row, the county attracts millions of visitors each year, contributing to a thriving economy driven by tourism, agriculture, and technology. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, Monterey County continues to be a dynamic hub of opportunity and inspiration for residents and visitors alike.
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Rural county leaders on a tour at Tanimura & Antle farms, learning about their innovative methods for producing fresh, healthy produce.
Rural leaders touring the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s Agricultural Research Technology Center
Supervisor Chris Lopez addressing rural leaders on a visit to Rancho Cielo Youth Campus, a Monterey County nonprofit that offers career development and personal growth opportunities to youth throughout the community.
Constellation Brands provided rural leaders with a tour of their facility, sharing the economic impact of winemaking and its role in driving regional growth.
RCRC concluded the visit with the RCRC Board of Directors Meeting to discuss key issues affecting rural counties.