The Office of Community Development administers rural community development programs within USDA Rural Development. Each program and initiative promotes self-sustaining, long-term economic and community development in rural areas. The programs demonstrate how every rural community can achieve self-sufficiency through innovative and comprehensive strategic plans developed and implemented at a grassroots level. The programs stress continued local involvement and decision making which is supported by partnerships among private, public and nonprofit entities.

Rural Community Development Initiative

Congress created the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) in Fiscal Year 2000 with an appropriation of $6 million under the Rural Community Advancement Program (RCAP). These funds are to be used solely to develop the capacity and ability of private, nonprofit community based housing and community development organizations, and low income rural communities to improve housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas.

Rural Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities : Click to see a complete list of rural Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities.  Montana's EZ/EC communities:

Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribe EC

Click here to get more information on EZ/EC program.

If you would like more information concerning this program, please contact our Specialist, Bob Parsley at 406-585-2588.