USDA Is Accepting Applications for Placemaking Cooperative Agreements to Spur Economic Growth

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that USDA is accepting applications for cooperative agreements to help eligible entities provide planning, training and technical assistance to foster placemaking activities in rural and Tribal communities.

The funds are being made available through the Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC). USDA is increasing RPIC funding to up to $4 million to assist more rural communities access placemaking assistance. The previous funding level was $3 million.

USDA is inviting eligible entities to apply for up to $250,000 to help rural and Tribal communities create plans to enhance capacity for high-speed internet access; preserve cultural and historic structures; and support development in transportation, housing and recreational spaces.

This technical assistance will help communities convene partners and identify community needs to develop placemaking plans. These plans will help rural areas build back better and stronger. The entities must support participating rural communities for up to two years.

The Department seeks to partner with at least one entity in the Northeast, South, Midwest and West regions of the United States. Public or private groups, organizations or institutions that demonstrate experience in providing placemaking technical assistance and administering federal grants are eligible to apply.

USDA is offering priority points to projects that advance key priorities to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, advance equity and combat climate change. These extra points will increase the likelihood of funding for projects that will advance these key priorities in rural America.

USDA encourages applicants who will serve communities participating in the Rural Partner’s Network. USDA also encourages applications that support communities planning projects that enhance the capacity to build high-speed internet infrastructure, including investments under USDA’s ReConnect program.

Electronic applications must be submitted via grants.gov by Aug. 15, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time / 9:59 Mountain Time. For more information, contact: RD.RPIC@usda.gov or visit page 39053 of the June 30 Federal Register.

USDA will host an informational webinar for applicants on July 13, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time / noon to 1:30 p.m. Mountain Time. To register, visit: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_Pxqj9XCZQuu6I1wWs8cVSw. The Department will announce in the coming weeks a series of virtual office hours for applicants to ask USDA staff questions about the funding opportunity.

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