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USDA Rural Development Hosts Forum to Strengthen Rural Texas, Collaborate with Federal Partners

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rd.press@usda.gov
Release Date
A group gathers for a federal partners forum event in Texas.
(Left to right): Matthew Armato, Texas Deputy State Director USDA Rural Development; Dan Hunter, Texas State Executive Director USDA Farm Service Agency; Erin Tawney, Regional Director for Region VI U.S. Health and Human Services; James Redfield, Texas State Director USDA Rural Development; Ashlea Quinonez, Regional Administrator for Region VI of U.S. Housing and Urban Development; Mitch DeZort, Senior Advisor for the Office of Rural Affairs U.S. Small Business Administration, and Sable Coleman, Senior Advisor for Region VI U.S. Housing and Urban Development.

(Edinburg, Texas, Aug. 19, 2026) – The Texas state office of U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development brought together more than 100 community leaders at DHR Health’s Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance for a federal partners forum focused on strengthening rural Texas. 

USDA Rural Development Texas State Director James Redfield was joined by Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), and representatives from USDA Farm Service Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

The federal partners emphasized the Trump Administration’s commitment to investing in rural communities. Discussions addressed key challenges including healthcare access, small business support, infrastructure, economic development, housing affordability, and other important issues. Attendees also met individually with agency leaders to explore available opportunities.

“The Trump Administration is committed to investing in rural communities which are the backbone of this country. This event reflects one of many ways we are following through on that commitment,” said Redfield. 

“Thank you to USDA Rural Development for bringing officials from across the Administration to South Texas. It was a productive discussion on connecting federal resources directly to our communities, and I look forward to continuing to build on this momentum and partnership,” said Representative Monica De La Cruz.

“We were grateful to participate in this forum hosted by USDA as strengthening rural Texas allows more economic opportunity to make sure that Americans can thrive. HUD remains fully committed to building a strong, accessible housing market for every American family in rural, tribal, and urban communities,” HUD Region VI Administrator Ashlea Quinonez said. 

USDA Rural Development offers loans, loan guarantees, grants, and technical assistance to support essential small business, affordable housing, health clinics, emergency service facilities, water and sewer systems, electric and broadband. Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov, subscribe to updates, and follow us on X at @rd_texas.

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