Resource Database

The year-end omnibus legislation included several broadband and connectivity expansion bills. The following will be implemented by NTIA.

Three new grant programs:

1. Tribal BroadbandConnectivity Program. A $1 billion program directed to tribal governments to be used for broadband deployment on tribal lands, as well as for telehealth, distance learning, broadband affordability, and digital inclusion.

2. Broadband Infrastructure Program. A $300 million broadband deployment program directed to partnerships between a state, or one or more political subdivisions of a state, and providers of fixed broadband service to support broadband infrastructure deployment to areas lacking broadband, especially rural areas.

3. Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program. A $285 million grant program to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) for the purchase of broadband internet access service and eligible equipment or to hire and train information technology personnel.

The Center for Rural Affairs is an advocate for health care, clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and community development in rural areas. Also offers technical assistance, financing programs, and other resources to rural communities.

As the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) plays a critical role in facilitating regional economic development efforts in communities across the nation.

Guided by the basic principle that sustainable economic development should be locally-driven, EDA works directly with communities and regions to help them build the capacity for economic development based on local business conditions and needs. EDA’s grant investments in planning, technical assistance, and infrastructure construction are designed to leverage existing regional assets to support the implementation of economic development strategies that make it easier for businesses to start and grow.

EDA’s flexible programs and structure enable nimble operations and allow for innovation and responsiveness to changing economic needs and conditions faced by its local and state government partners. Grants made under these programs are designed to leverage existing regional assets to support the implementation of economic development strategies that advance new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities.

EDA provides economic development financial assistance to communities so they can encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in a way that works best for them. Through its network of regionally-based staff and portfolio of flexible grant tools, EDA helps communities experiencing economic distress, take control of their future and position themselves for economic prosperity and resiliency.

In addition, EDA leads the integration of economic development resources from all sources, including federal, state, local and philanthropic, to achieve better outcomes for communities across America.

The EPA sponsors a smart growth resources page dedicated to small towns and rural community growth strategies.The page provides links to technical Assistance Programs, technical assistance reports, and webinars.

The Environmental Law & Policy Center maintains this website that tracks news and incentives to further clean energy and rural economic development.

Provides information on funding and technical assistance opportunities available from HUD, DOT, EPA, and USDA, as well as examples of how rural communities across the country have put these programs into action.

Food Co-op Initiative strives to provide exceptional resources for people in the U.S. working to start a retail food co-op that meets the needs of their community. New startups can use Food Co-op Initiative materials at no charge and are able to reach out to Food Co-op Initiative staff for phone consultations and additional technical help.The Food Co-op Iniative also provides "Seed Grants" for emerging community food co-ops.

The Heartland Center for Leadership Development is a non-profit organization based in Lincoln, Nebraska that provides information and assistance to rural communities regarding collaboration, leadership development, and strategic planning.

The Housing Assistance Council assists in the development of both single- and multi-family homes and promotes homeownership for working low-income rural families. HAC offers services to public, nonprofit, and private organizations throughout the rural United States and maintains a special focus on high-need groups and regions, such as: Indian country, the Mississippi Delta, farmworkers, the Southwest border colonias, and Appalachia.

Idaho Housing’s Housing Information Referral Center (HIRC) exists to answer your housing questions. HIRC staff offer important information and referrals to housing consumers, providers, and advocates. Idaho Housing also works with statewide coalitions and local communities to better understand the role of affordable and workforce housing in sustainable community and economic development. Our goal is to empower individuals, organizations, and communities as they work toward housing that provides access, stability, and resilience at all levels.