James J. Turner announced today he will retire from his position as the Michigan USDA Rural Development State Director on December 30, 2016.
“I am proud of our accomplishments over the past seven and a half years. We worked to transform USDA Rural Development into a more effective agency that strives daily to improve the quality of life of rural Michigan residents” said Turner. “I hope I have left this agency well positioned to continue to provide important services to rural residents in Michigan.”
On August 3, 2009, Turner was appointed to the position of State Director for USDA Rural Development in Michigan by President Barack Obama. In this position he managed more than 45 housing, business, electric, telecommunications, water, wastewater and community facility programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities. During that time, Turner made new investments of more than $8 billion that greatly impacted communities across rural Michigan.
“I have enjoyed this job tremendously” said Turner. “I won’t forget meeting the homeowners who were moving into their first homes financed by USDA loans, helping residents of communities across the state gain access to clean, healthy water piped directly to their homes, or the business owners we helped expand and grow. I will cherish those memories and forever value the opportunity I was given to help our rural communities.”
During his tenure Turner was an avid supporter of the programs offered by USDA Rural Development. Mr. Turner helped grow the Agency’s energy efficiency programs – ultimately helping more than 160 rural businesses save on energy costs. As a result of his efforts, 4 large regions of the state engaged in the USDA Stronger Economies Together program to help them map their future. Turner’s last day in office will be on Friday, December 30, 2016.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and result in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. Review the 2016 annual reports for a full description of the accomplishments USDA Rural Development has made in Michigan and throughout the nation.