Tribal Circuit Riders

RCAC’s programs and services deliver solutions to complex community needs. Our local presence allows us to develop partnerships with communities to identify needs, set goals, and select the best options to meet those goals. RCAC and our partners provide the tools to create change and growth, but the communities chart their own course. Collaboration, plus community effort will equal community change. How can we help you?

RCAC’s Loan Fund is a financial resource for rural communities. The Loan Fund fills financing gaps and serves in unconventional markets. We offer loans for affordable housing development, environmental infrastructure, community facilities and small businesses in rural locations.

Decent housing, safe drinking water, education, financing, jobs, community facilities, leadership, families are the many facets to RCAC's work.

RCAC expands the knowledge base of the rural public through education and training. Our training expertise is in technical, financial, and administrative issues that affect rural communities. We take great pride in our professional trainer team's capacity and effectiveness. Our trainers maximize audience participation to keep trainings relevant and memorable.

RCAC's news and publications are a compilation of timely news, announcements and accomplishments produced for the rural development world.

Sub-standard housing and poverty are commonplace in low-income rural communities. Many of these communities also face daunting challenges to access safe, clean drinking water and to develop other vital infrastructure. These issues are often overlooked in policy because rural communities lack the resources, training or social networks that are found in urban areas. Learn how you can advocate for the under-served population in the West.

Founded in 1978, RCAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with underserved rural and Indigenous communities to achieve their vision and well being through technical assistance, training, financial resources and advocacy. For more than 45 years, our dedicated staff and active board, coupled with our key values: leadership, collaboration, commitment, quality and integrity, have helped effect positive change in rural communities across the West. Learn more about who we are and how we operate.

Tribal Circuit Riders

The Tribal Circuit Rider Program is the oldest and largest Tribal specific program of its kind. The program has a priority to provide ongoing, dedicated assistance to California, Arizona and Nevada Tribes to build their capacity to provide safe water in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.

RCAC’s trained and experienced staff members are strategically located throughout the western states. Their work occurs primarily in the field, using a “circuit rider” approach. They provide about 800 technical assistance/training visits to Tribal communities annually. To augment field training, RCAC conducts and facilitates about 28 Native American Water Masters Association (NAWMA) trainings and workshops throughout the region. NAWMA trainings provide a forum to discuss evolving drinking water regulations, technologies and issues facing Tribal water utilities.

RCAC fully supports Tribal self-determination and self-reliance.

RCAC coordinates and provides periodic Tribal Drinking Water Conferences.

For more information, please contact RCAC’s main office at (916) 447-2854 and request Angela Hengel, regional manager – environmental, or complete our Request for Assistance.

RCAC Environmental Services