A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC's affiliated entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities.
Homebuyer Assistance Up to $350,000 for Households Impacted by Fires in 2018 and 2020
GSFA is gearing up to launch a NEW homeownership program in June, called ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program. The Program features homebuyer assistance of up to $350,000 to aid households affected by wildfires in 2018 and 2020, whether they are renters or homeowners. This assistance, which is forgiven after five years, is intended to help them purchase a home in California outside high fire zone areas.
- 2018 Qualifying Disaster Areas: Butte, Lake, Los Angeles and Shasta Counties.
- 2020 Qualifying Disaster Areas: Butte, Lake, Los Angeles, Napa, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, and Sonoma Counties
GSFA was awarded a $28 million grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to administer and manage the Program. Funding for the Program is made possible through a Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant from HUD.
More information will be made available on the GSFA website in the coming weeks.
Governor's Budget Cuts Raise Alarm for Broadband Loan Loss Reserve Program
May 14th, Governor Newsom released the details of his Revised Budget Proposal, which included the elimination of the Broadband Loan Loss Reserve (BLLR) Program. The BLLR was created through Senate Bill 156 in 2021 to serve as a credit enhancement mechanism for local governments to deploy broadband networks in their respective communities. Originally funded at $750 million, the BLLR fund was decreased by $175 million in April through an early action budget bill (Assembly Bill 106).
The Governor’s revised budget is particularly concerning to the Golden State Connect Authority, which heavily relies on this program to fund broadband projects across the state. The Administration has committed to restore $50 million in funding to the BLLR as a pilot program.
Golden State Connect Authority has expressed deep concern about the proposed budget changes and continues to advocate for full funding for all GSCA BLLR applications pending before the CPUC.
RAI Convenes Inaugural Tour Exploring Rural Recreation Economies in Mariposa and Merced
In the interest of fostering a deeper understanding of key factors that contribute to a thriving recreation economy, the Rural Advancement Institute (RAI), formerly Rural Alliance, Inc., conducted its inaugural educational tour on April 25-27, in Mariposa and Merced Counties. The educational tour, hosted by Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D - Jackson), engaged senior policymakers with a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government, business, tribal communities, and nonprofits, who shared their expertise and experiences in providing essential services and bolstering the tourism and recreational experiences within the region. Throughout the tour, senior policymakers delved into various topics such as autonomous vehicles, housing for Yosemite's workforce, healthcare systems designed to serve the needs of both locals and tourists, landscape stewardship, and enhancing outdoor recreation. RAI is grateful for Senator Alvarado-Gil and all the senior policymakers who helped make this tour a success and looks forward to future opportunities to unite leaders and other stakeholders in exploring rural issues, initiatives, and innovations.