Rural Health
News by Topic: Community and economic development

How Auburn Students Are Helping Revitalize Small Towns Across Alabama

Mar 17, 2026 - Describes Auburn Rural Studio, an architecture program based in rural Alabama. Describes the student-driven community development work over 30 years and the local benefits such as affordable housing. Notes that the program considers not just housing but also community resources such as reliable wastewater systems and public spaces.

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Brown Water and Boil Notices: Small Towns Struggle with Failing Water Systems

Feb 24, 2026 - Describes the challenges small communities face with maintaining water systems with focus on two communities in Arkansas and Louisiana. Discusses funding, workforce, and aging infrastructure as barriers to consistently providing clean drinking water.

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RBS, RHS, RUS: Notice of Funding Opportunities for the Strategic Economic and Community Development Program for FY 2026 Federal Register

Feb 2, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) providing application requirements for funding reserved under the Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) priority program. USDA is implementing SECD in fiscal year 2026 by reserving funds from the covered program. This notice describes the requirements by which RD will consider projects eligible for covered programs' reserved funds and information needed to apply.

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