Ensuring equal opportunity for those who live and work in Arizona’s rural communities is at the heart of USDA Rural Development’s mission and a priority with the Biden Harris Administration. As we all know, important to the quality of life of people in Arizona is decent health care, walkable services and amenities, alternative transportation, quality schools and accessibility to higher education and of course affordable housing. This is amplified when addressing the needs of people residing in rural communities. For some, access to high-speed, wireless internet, and a strong sense of community are most vital. For others, it’s infrastructure: fire stations, libraries or a well-thought-out community health center, and water systems.
Our team of skilled, experienced, customer service centered public servants focus exclusively on the needs of Arizona’s rural people and places. Many of our Arizona staff reside in the very communities we serve. USDA Rural Development offers loans and grants to eligible individuals, businesses and community entities, encouraging home ownership, growth in business and manufacturing and community well-being. We also partner with private lenders to offer loan guarantees, providing the backing of the federal government to support rural prosperity and growth.
In 2022 the White House launched the Rural Partners Network (RPN), an alliance of federal agencies and civic partners working to expand rural prosperity through job creation, infrastructure development and community improvement. In Arizona RPN is focused on two (2) tribal nations and the communities adjacent to those nations; the Cocopah Nation located in Yuma County and the San Carlos which spans Gila, Graham and Pinal Counties.
If you are curious about how your community can partner with USDA Rural
Development in Arizona, visit our website https://www.rd.usda.gov/az.
This article was written and submitted by the Arizona State Director of USDA- Rural Development, Charlene Fernandez
AZ League Connection 