News

News about the southern region and the programs, projects, and partnerships of the Southern Rural Development Center.

  1. STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT: USDA Accepting Applications to Spur Job Growth and Economic Development in Rural Areas

    May 15, 2023

    United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) is accepting applications for funding to help create jobs and economic growth in rural communities. USDA is making loans and grants available under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program. Through this program, USDA provides zero-interest loans and grants to current and former Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Electric Program and Telecommunications Program borrowers and utilities that are eligible to receive assistance from the RUS Electric or Telecommunication Programs. Continue reading STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT: USDA Accepting Applications to Spur Job Growth and Economic Development in Rural Areas
  2. CREATE BRIDGES: Phase I Impact Video Recently Released

    April 14, 2023

    CREATE BRIDGES is an economic development initiative for rural, multi-county regions to strengthen businesses and workforce within the retail, accommodations, tourism, and entertainment sectors. Click to access full article and video link. Continue reading CREATE BRIDGES: Phase I Impact Video Recently Released
  3. Understanding Heirs' Property at the Community Level

    March 14, 2023

    Through funding from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and in partnership with colleagues working with the Southern Rural Development Center on heirs’ property, the team finalized the curriculum “Understanding Heirs’ Property at the Community Level” last spring. During this past November, SRDC was joined by the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center at Alcorn State University and the Southern Risk Management Extension Center to pilot a train-the-trainer workshop for Extension professionals. Continue reading Understanding Heirs' Property at the Community Level
  4. The 1890 Universities Foundation: Advocates for the 19-Strong 1890 Universities

    March 14, 2023

    Dr. Mort Neufville, President & CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation. “The 1890 Foundation applauds the work of the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) in celebration of the center’s 50 years of strengthening capacity for the region’s land-grant universities. The 1890 Universities Foundation shares SRDC’s goal of supporting strategic partnerships and mobilizing resources to address critical issues facing communities in the rural south. Continue reading The 1890 Universities Foundation: Advocates for the 19-Strong 1890 Universities
  5. Final Listening Sessions Report: Investing in Rural Capacity

    March 14, 2023

    The four Regional Rural Development Centers (RRDCs) conducted a rapid assessment of priorities for investments in rural community development. The overarching purpose was to identify the critical resources needed to build community capacity and improve quality of life in rural America. Conducted via an iterative process from Fall 2021 to Spring 2022, the assessment is from the perspective of stakeholders working in the rural development spaces. Continue reading Final Listening Sessions Report: Investing in Rural Capacity
  6. Upcoming Webinar - Investing in Rural Recovery: Key Findings from the Southern Region

    March 14, 2023

    Tuesday, February 28th, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST/12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST. Hosted by the SRDC, findings from the Southern Region survey and listening sessions conducted in 2022 around the topic "Investing in Rural Recovery" will be shared with participants. Continue reading Upcoming Webinar - Investing in Rural Recovery: Key Findings from the Southern Region