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Rural Update August '96; Part I of I
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Ideas, news and resources for rural and small town community
economic development. Aspen Institute Rural Economic Policy
Program, (202) 736-5834; timothy@aspeninst.org.
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-- August 10th, 1996 --
Welcome to all of you who've recently subscribed to the Rural Update! This
newsletter originated over four years ago on HandsNet where it reaches about
500 organizations, and we've recently been joined by 630 more folks in cities,
schools and towns around the world.
This issue will be our only August release thanks to vacations and staff
retreats. "Prepare your harvest or take a break," suggests one wise reader.
Rural Update contact info, subscribing instructions, and so forth are found at
the end of the newsletter. Items summarized below that show a HandsNet
location in ( ) can be found on the Web at http://www.handsnet.org. Enjoy
your August!
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CONTENTS
Rural Development News Funding
In Print Calendar Additions
Be A Good Neighbor Rural Burger Biz
Capitol Hill
---------- RURAL DEVELOPMENT NEWS IN GENERAL ---------
DEVELOPMENT BANKING AWARDS ANNOUNCED; GOOD RURAL REPRESENTATION
Thirty-one awards totaling $35 million to various development "banks" were
announced on July 31st by the US Dept of Treasury's Community Development
Financial Institution Fund. Treasury said that 50% of the money went to
organizations for rural or mixed urban/rural funding. It is generally viewed
that the awards were "safe," going to existing CDFI's who could expand current
operations rather than helping new groups get started.
Among the rural groups selected are the Center for Community Self-Help in
Durham, NC for its work in rural areas and secondary-market innovations, the
Santa Cruz Community Credit Union which will be extending retail banking
services to a rural farmworker community in Watsonville, CA, and several rural
venture capital funds. A summary prepared by Rural Update can be found on
HandsNet in HN/Rural/Biz/CDFI and on the web at
http://www.lightlink.com/cdb-l/. The federal CDFI Fund has a press kit with
profiles of each grant: (202) 343-0620.
RURAL BANK MERGERS CHALLENGED
As many of you know, the Community Reinvestment Act applies to banks in rural
areas as well as urban, requiring banks to lend for low income housing, small
businesses and farms. Consumer advocates can delay or scuttle bank mergers
between banks that fail to meet guidelines. The Wisconsin Rural Development
Council a long-time advocate and has a legal challenge underway in which they
claim a local bank made a "deliberate effort to discourage applications for
farm and small business loans." The WRDC is in Mt. Horeb WI, 608-437-5971.
(Capital Times, July 26, 1996)
A community reinvestment group in NC is challenging the merger of two banks in
that state on claims that one of the banks failed to move forward on loans to
small farmers. Their claim has successfully passed several hurdles and has
been filed at the US 4th Circuit. Contact Andrew Foster, Executive Director
of CRA*NC at (919) 856-2178. (NC news reprinted from the "Reinvestment
Compendium," Joshua Silver (202) 628-8866.)
BRITISH GROUP PROMOTES LOCAL TELECOM
"Action with Communities in Rural England" (ACRE) has received 10 million
Pounds for refurbishing and building 22 town halls, including telecottages
(computer rooms, usually with Internet access.) ACRE was recently in the
press, publicizing a recent study by the Rural Development Commission which
showed that a third of villages lack daily bus service and 83 percent lacked a
permanent doctor. This lack of services is particularly hard on the elderly.
(The Times, p25, 7/16/96)
ALASKAN BLACK GOLD BUST
The oil wealth that has provided rural Alaska with its modern schools and
health care facilities may be drying up. The state's residents must now learn
to compensate with other sources of revenue and development. Competition from
the Gulf of Mexico and the declining production in the Prudhome Bay region,
plus victories by environmentalists to limit new exploration are all factors.
Pipeline flow has been cut by about one third over the past 8 years, and will
fall eventually to 25% of its original volume. Analysts predict that even if
new drilling incentives were put in place, aggressive exploration will go
elsewhere. (Dow Jones News service, July 2, 1996)
FARM AID TO RAISE MONEY FOR FAMILY FARMS
Farm Aid president Willie Nelson, along with Hootie and the Blowfish announced
plans for Farm Aid '96, the family farm benefit scheduled to take place in
Columbia, SC on Oct. 12. For more information on the event and what you can
do to support family farmers, call 1-800-FARM AID; Farmaid1@aol.com. (See
also "funding" section.)
HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS UNIVERSITY and VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY USA
Underway in Scotland is a distance learning collaborative, the "University of
the Highlands and Islands." Serving the rural and often remote regions of
northern Scotland, this innovative program will electronically link a number
of advanced schools in the region to offer a better range of degrees, while
keeping in focus cultural themes and rural development. This collaborative
has actually been underway for several years now and was recently in the news
at it seeks to hire a chief executive. (http://www.uhi.ac.uk)
A similar project in the USA is the 14 state "Virtual University" initiative
covering rural western regions. Universities will collaborate to offer degree
programs to students via distance learning. Advocates point out that one of
the biggest hurdles they've faced with this project is not technology but the
cooperative agreements between so many different educational institutions.
Students across many rural regions should be offered a much richer offering of
degree programs as a result of the initiative. (http://www.westgov.org/smart
or 303-623-9378)
BOOT CAMP PROMOTES MANUFACTURING
A new program underway in Arkansas will train counselors in the state's high
schools in the needs of manufacturing companies. The counselors, ordinarily
experts in helping students choose colleges, will now be better able to help
students enter trade careers. The program is being run by Winrock
International, a development organization, with future plans of evolving into
an apprenticeship program. Winrock is based at Petit Jean Mountain, AR. (Des
Moines Register, 7/29/96, A1)
ASSET BUILDING FOR POOR IN TENNESSEE
As part of its welfare program overhaul, the state of TN has started an
"Individual Development Account" program in rural areas. Through IDA's,
welfare recipients will be allowed to build up saving accounts without
affecting their federal benefits. Ordinarily their benefit levels would be
decreased with earnings and savings. Michael Kharfen, HHS Press office,
(202) 401-9215. (HandsNet/ HandsNet Forums/News & Blues--7/26/96)
--------------- IN PRINT -------------
TELECOM BOOK FOR LOCAL ADVOCATES
Recent telecom reforms will shift responsibilities for issues such as
universal service from federal to state regulatory agencies. "Telewars In The
States: Telecommunications Issues In A New Era Of Competition" is a concise
map of the issues and players involved in that devolution. July 1996; 165 pgs,
by Tom Bonnett, Council of Governor's Policy Advisors; $28.90; advance payment
by check, MC or Visa to NGA Publications, PO Box 421, Annapolis Junction, MD
20701-0421; 301-498-3738.
"ECONOMIC FORCES SHAPING RURAL HEARTLAND"
This report covers a number of topics including manufacturing, services and
trade. It also includes a study on Wal-Mart's impact on rural retail(e.g.. a
46% decline in retail sales in surrounding small towns of 500-1,000
residents). Also includes reference to economic "mini-booms" related to
recreation, retirement, and "fledgling businesses." Free from Federal Reserve
Bank of Kansas City, 816-881-2989. (Tulsa World newspaper 7/29/96.)
ENVIRONMENTALISTS V. DEVELOPERS
"Rural Growth In Western States: Economic Development And Environmental
Protection" addresses the role of local governments in planning for population
growth. Formerly, local planners merely implemented environmental laws
written in Washington, now state policy-makers have to craft environmental
legislation. 35 pages. Published by the National Association of State
Legislatures, 303-830-2054; $14 includes shipping. (Thanks to Idaho Rural
Development Council, http://www.state.id.us/irdc/homepage.htm.)
MICROENTERPRISE PUBLICATIONS
Women's Self-Employment Project has available two guides to microenterprise in
the state of Illinois. A directory lists all lenders and support
organizations including rural partners. A policy guide covers the current
state of development and future possibilities for microenterprise in that
state. The cost is $15 per book or $25 for both; make check payable to WSEP;
send to: 20 N. Clark, 4th floor, Chicago, IL 60602, 312.606.8255;
hn1578@handsnet.org.
SCENIC PRESERVATION
"Evaluating Scenic Resources" describes an approach to identifying and
evaluating kinds of scenic resources and the value of these to local
residents. Contact Scenic America, 202-833-4300.
HOMESTEADING: FINDING THE GOOD LIFE
A lengthy article in the magazine Mother Earth News addresses housing concerns
and resources for folks considering moving "back to the earth" 90's style.
>From an economic development standpoint, I find these advice articles
interesting as a way to understand how to market to an audience interested
moving to a simple, remote life. You can also check your local bookstore for
books on this topic. (Mother Earth News, August 1996)
NAFTA MONITOR / TRADE MONITOR
The NAFTA Monitor is on-line with stories that include US farmer's losing a
trade dispute with Canada over import tariffs on chicken and dairy, and
problems with cyclospora bacteria on berries. (Rural/Ag/Ag Trade) or
iatp-info@iatp.org.
-------------- BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR --------------
PLEASE ANSWER RURAL INTERNET SURVEY
Two researchers are trying to document how rural folk differ from urban in
their use of the Internet. You can fill out the simple survey on-line at
http://tdg.uoguelph.ca/rural/ or send an e-mail to survey@tdg.uoguelph.ca if
you don't have Web access. Participants enter a drawing for free admission
to an upcoming rural telecom conference or sweatshirt and cap from the
University of Guelph.
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, SELF-HELP, Durham, NC
Must design and implement communication plan for this innovative community
development lender. 3 years+ experience; journalism degree preferred. Resumes
to Self-Help, PO Box 3619, Durham, NC 27702.
BUSINESS LOAN OFFICER, SHORETRUST, Washington.
Need a loan officer for conservation based development corporation in rural SW
Washington state. Knowledge of forest, fishing, farming industries plus
previous lending experience are required; ShoreTrust is a new affiliate of
Chicago's Shorebank Corp. Contact john@ecotrust.org, or 360-642-4265.
DIRECTOR, RURAL CDC, Indians
Regional CDC seeks director for new, rural organization. Housing development
experience essential; full knowledge of tax credits and HUD programs required.
Send resume and salary requirements by September 11 1996 to: Souther VI
Corporation, P.O. Box 786, Jasper, IN 47547-0786. (HN/Resources/Jobs)
------------------- CAPITOL HILL -------------------
HOUSE AND SENATE PREPARE DISCRETIONARY DEVELOPMENT SPENDING
The Senate and House conference committee at the end of last week approached
consensus on rural development appropriations for 1997 by reportedly
"splitting the difference." The final report was being completed as I write
this, so you will have to infer from the following. Thanks to National
Association of Towns and Townships for these figures. (US$ in millions; loan
authorizations not included in totals.)
1996 '97 House '97 Senate
------ ------ ------
Rur Hsg/Com Dev 1,342 1,153 1,229
(Loan authoriz.) 3,215 3,460 3,460
Rur Biz Coop Dev 112 105 110
(Loan authoriz.) 538 40 38
Rural Utilities Svc. 671 609 773
(Loan authoriz.) 1,405 1,445 1,445
------ ------ ------
Totals 2,127 1,868 2,113
"MISCHEVIOUS" FERTILIZER BILL INTRODUCED
In the House of Representatives, a bill to help fund research and promotion of
the selective spraying of pesticides has been introduced. Without going into
the pros and cons of funding this kind of work, the bill removes an emphasis
on sustainable ag in the National Research Initiative. For more on that, and
sustainable agriculture legislative news, contact Julie Burns, Southern
SAWG/Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture, hn3897@handsnet.org, or see
postings (HN/Rural/Ag/Campaign).
------------------- FUNDING -------------------
FUNDING RESOURCE FOR TELECOM PROJECTS
Recently updated and posted on-line is the publication listing foundations
that may support nonprofit networking projects. The update includes a quick
list of 31 federal programs. The publication can easily be downloaded and was
recently profiled in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. See "Foundation
Resources, Community Networks, Televillages and Telecenters" in
(HN/Rural/Resources/Foundations) or http://www.aspeninst.org/rural. The paper
was researched and assembled by Tim Walter at the Aspen Institute.
FARM AID FUNDING DUE FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13.
Proposals are now being accepted by Farm Aid for the support of family farmers
in the USA. Grants are typically in the $5,000 - 15,000 range in categories
such as emergency relief, education, outreach, hotlines, organizational
development, and legal information (not legal defense funds). Contact Harry
Smith, Program Director. tel: 617-354-2922; e-mail: farmaid1@aol.com; or see
guidelines in (HN/Rural/Ag/Publications & Resources).
FOUNDATION EXPANDS COMMUNITY BUILDING PROGRAM
Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation is expanding its "Community Problem Solving"
program. The Foundation will fund five new collaborations that include input
from diverse sectors of a community. Applicants must come from the
southeastern USA. Contact Gayle Williams at 910-748-9222 for guidelines.
GRANTS TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS CONSIDERED AN INVESTMENT UNDER NEW CRA
REGULATIONS
Are you looking for additional funding for your non-profit's operating budget?
NCRC wants to remind non-profit organizations that the federal regulatory
agencies will consider grants to non-profits as an investment under the new
Community Reinvestment Act regulations. Contact Joshua Silver, NCRC's
Director of Research and Publications, at (202) 628-8866, HN1748@handsnet.org.
HOMEOWNERSHIP ZONES
US Department of Housing and Urban development announces $50 million in
"Economic Development Initiative" grant funds. Contact: Paul Webster,
Director, Financial Management Division, Office of Block Grant Assistance,
Room 7178, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th St. SW,
Washington, DC 20410; (202) 708-1871; TTY (800) 877-8339. Applications are
due Sept. 17, 1996. CITE: 61 Fed. Reg. 37131-37141 (July 16, 1996). (HN/Legal
Services/Federal Register)
-------------- CALENDAR ADDITIONS --------------
NAT'L CONGRESS FOR COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
September 19-21, 1996, New York, NY
Conference for community development corporations.
NCCED, 11 Dupont Circle, Suite 325, Washington, DC 20036; 202/234-5009; fax:
202/234-4510. Email: corcillo@ix.netcom.com
COMMUNICATIONS UNLEASHED
What's at Stake? Who Benefits? How to Get Involved!
Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility
Conference and Annual Meeting
October 19-20, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
http://www.cpsr.org/home.html Phone: (415) 322-3778 evoy@cpsr.org
"CHILDREN AT THE CENTER: PARTNERSHIPS LINKING EDUCATION, COMMUNITY AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT"
National Symposium on Partners in Education.
November 19-23, 1996; Arlington, VA
NAPE (703) 836-4880; (703) 836-6941 (fax)
(HandsNet/Resources/Calendar/Later 1996)
-------------- RURAL BURGER BIZ --------------
BURGER KING FIRST TO JOIN PROGRAM IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT
BK will undertake a special effort to purchase some of its $2.3 billion in
supplies from companies in rural regions of the USA. In exchange, USDA's
Rural Business-Cooperative Service, with a budget of $700 million to serve
start-ups and expansion businesses, will focus on meeting the credit needs of
new BK franchises in rural areas. "If it's successful with Burger King, we
hope to expand it" to other restaurant chains and beyond, an Agriculture
Department spokesman said. By the way, contrast to RCBS for winning Vice
President Gore's "Hammer" award for bureaucracy busting. (USDA Press release
and WSJ 8/29/96)
McDONALDS MAY THINK TWICE ABOUT SIGNING UP, THOUGH...
It is a rare event for a McDonald's outlet to close its doors, but such has
happened in the tiny town of Fairbury, IL. Since the early 1990's McDonalds
(the chain) has sparred with the town's McDonald's "family restaurant."
Fairbury's McDonald's is owned by Mr. Ronald McDonald and has served the town
since the 1950's. A few days ago the chain pulled up stakes and left, citing
poor revenues. Mr. McDonald attributed the poor showing to town culture,
saying "it's hard for a new place to get going...you've got to earn [local
folks'] respect." (WSJ, B1, 8/2/96)
-------------- CONTACT INFO & INSTRUCTIONS -------------
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Timothy R. Walter
The Aspen Institute Rural Economic Policy Program
1333 New Hampshire Ave. NW #1070
Washington, DC 20036-1511 USA
tel: 202-736-5834 fax: 202-467-0790
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