Formed in 1972

RCRC works with its membership to advocate on behalf of rural issues at the state and federal levels. RCRC provides the rural county perspective on a myriad of issues during the legislative and regulatory process, including land use, water and natural resources, housing, transportation, wildfire protection policies, and health and human services. The core of RCRC’s mission is to improve the ability of small, rural California county government to provide services by reducing the burden of state and federal mandates, and promoting a greater understanding among policy makers about the unique challenges that face California's small population counties.

Formed in 1993

Rural Counties’ Environmental Services Joint Powers Authority (ESJPA) is a local government agency that provides regulatory advocacy and technical assistance to twenty-six rural county members. In response to an ever-increasing number of state and federal mandates regarding solid waste management, ESJPA was formed in 1993 to assist its rural county members in complying with regulatory requirements and waste diversion goals. On behalf of its members, ESJPA supports local public education campaigns and administers grants for recycling and hazardous waste management programs.

Formed in 2002

National Homebuyers Fund, Inc. (NHF) is a non-profit public benefit corporation and an instrumentality of government under Internal Revenue Service code section 115. NHF was formed by RCRC in 2002 to stimulate and expand homeownership opportunities and strengthen communities nationwide through the provision and administration of innovative, flexible, and fiscally responsible solutions to the affordable housing challenges of our nation. Through its multi-state single-family financing program, NHF provides affordable mortgage loan interest rates and down payment and/or closing cost assistance for both returning and first-time homebuyers.

Formed in 2019

Golden State Natural Resources (GSNR) is a non-profit, 501(c)3, forest resiliency company, created by rural counties in California and governed by local elected leaders. GSNR’s directive is to reduce excess biomass in California’s forested lands, using science-based practices, as part of an overarching strategy to build wildfire and forest resilience in the state and spur economic opportunities in rural communities. GSNR’s proposed project will source woody biomass from forest thinning projects, orchards and sawmills, process the material into a pelletized fuel product at developed facilities in rural California, and export the pellets to international markets. This project provides a unique opportunity to restore forest health, revitalize and establish potential new wood product markets, and reinvest in the local economies of rural communities.

Formed in 1999

Rural Alliance, Inc. (RAI) is a non-profit, 501(c)3, public benefit corporation, created in 1999 to support RCRC and for the benefit of RCRC. RAI facilitates academic research and educational opportunities that advance understanding of issues impacting rural California amongst policymakers and the public. The principal functions of RAI, as set forth in the Bylaws, are to provide (1) technical support, (2) program administration; and, (3) applied research to local governments with respect to regional problems.