RDC formed a strategic partnership with NM Rural Development Response Council (NMRDRC) on Oct 1, 2009 to better serve rural NM communities, particularly those communities with a population under 15,000. Under the terms of a contract that will run until September 30, 2010, the RDC will be responsible for providing technical assistance to NM rural communities and businesses that require specialized assistance for: product feasibility analysis, marketing and business plans and energy efficiency improvments.

Also, the RDC will administer the “E-Communities” Initiative in six rural communities to including Clayton,Cuba, Fort Sumner, Raton, Santa Rosa, Tucumcari. This "wiki" based eCommunity will collaborate on grant proposals, board meetings, strategic plans; and most importantly, on how to strength and manage their own projects.

The NM Rural Development Response Council applies for and is granted monies to engage in rural development projects of various kinds. Our services differ from year to year depending on the guidelines of our grants, including:

COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT
Community visits and assessments to identify target industries that would have a high likelihood of success in that community.

COMMUNITY PROFILE DEVELOPMENT
Community profile development through data collection on the community’s current status on 10 economic variable indicators.

POINT OF CONTACT FOR INFORMATION
Provide various information to communities, as requested.
Provide assistance to community in accessing information.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Review funding applications for communities provide assistance in identifying funding resources, and other areas as requested.

SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Provide letter of support for community economic development funding applications and assist in project review.

Contact:
Ms. Kathy Roberts, Rural Programs Manager,  kroberts@ruraldevelopmentnm.org , (505) 795-6852 or visit our website: www.ruraldevelopmentnm.org.