RCRC presents rural priorities to Trinity County board; broadband, workforce and forest resiliency highlighted
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Summary
Patrick Blacklock, president and CEO of the Rural County Representatives of California, told the Trinity County Board of Supervisors the group's 2026 strategy focuses on broadband, rural health, forest resiliency and county workforce shortages. He said Trinity was not awarded a broadband construction grant this round, but statewide investments could seed future expansion.
Patrick Blacklock, president and CEO of the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), presented the organization's 2026 strategic plan to the Trinity County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 6, emphasizing advocacy and shared services to help small counties pursue large projects.
Blacklock told the board RCRC has two primary roles: advocacy in Sacramento and Washington, and operating as an "entrepreneurial" service provider where counties pool resources. He said the group's top policy themes this year include broadband, rural health, forest resiliency and recruitment and retention for county workforces.
On broadband, Blacklock described the Golden State Connect Authority's open-access model and said the statewide effort has about $285 million in initial construction funding (a mix of a state award and bond sale). He said Trinity County applied but was not among the communities awarded in this round; RCRC will continue to seek additional funding and opportunities to extend the system to communities like Trinity.
Blacklock urged counties to help RCRC file state 'test claims' for reimbursable state mandates, and he described a new RCRC contract with a consultant to help smaller counties assemble cost data and file claims with the state Mandate Commission.
He also highlighted two operational projects: a Golden State Natural Resources nonprofit to accelerate forest-resiliency projects and de-risk biomass supply, and an employee-focused down-payment assistance program that has aided county employees.
"We're trying to get the economies of scale so small counties don't have to carry the entire cost alone," Blacklock said, adding that ad hoc committees have formed to tackle pressing issues such as predator management and recruitment/retention in critical classifications.
Supervisors praised RCRC's work on biomass and Secure Rural Schools advocacy. One supervisor voiced frustration that statewide broadband maps and awards had left parts of Trinity without direct service, while others credited RCRC staff and volunteers for their persistent advocacy.
Why it matters: RCRC acts as both an advocacy voice and a practical service arm for rural counties. Funding for broadband projects and restored reimbursements for state mandates could materially affect county budgets and service capacity.
Next steps: RCRC will continue to press for additional broadband funding, support county-led test claims for state mandate reimbursement, and work with Trinity officials to identify regional partners for projects such as jail medical options and biomass supply-chain development.