Trump Administration Highlights Affordable Pathways to Homeownership in Rural America

(Champaign, Ill., June 3, 2026) – This week, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega kicked off National Homeownership Month by highlighting Rural Development’s commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and helping more Americans, especially first-time homebuyers, achieve the dream of homeownership.

(Huron, S.D., June 3, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development South Dakota State Director Lorraine Polak today announced that Lakota Funds has signed loan closing documents to become the state’s third home loan lender in South Dakota under the Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans program. This $764,000 investment will provide working capital to finance home loans on the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwest South Dakota.

Project is Anticipated to Create Five Jobs and Advance the Region’s Long Term Environmental Goals

(Columbus, N.J., May 7, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development New Jersey State Director Rick Stern today announced an investment supporting innovative wastewater solutions that enhance efficiency and protect local resources in rural New Jersey. 

Trump Administration Highlights Affordable Pathways to Homeownership in Rural America

(Bangor, Maine, June 2, 2026) –Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Maine State Director John Butera kicked off National Homeownership Month by highlighting Rural Development’s commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and helping more Americans, especially first-time homebuyers, achieve the dream of homeownership.

The Town of Freeport sits along the Harraseeket River, a northern arm of Casco Bay. Just a few miles away in Brunswick, Mere Point Oyster Company grows shellfish in the clear, fast‑moving waters of Maquoit and Mere Point Bays, waters that are considered some of the most ecologically significant in Maine.

 Although these communities are separate, they are tied together by a single reality: healthy coastal waters sustain both public health and local livelihoods.

Trump Administration Highlights Affordable Pathways to Homeownership in Rural America

(Des Moines, Iowa, June 2, 2026) – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Iowa State Director Mike Sexton kicked off National Homeownership Month by highlighting Rural Development’s commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and helping more Americans, especially first-time homebuyers, achieve the dream of homeownership.

Description: Construct a 5.0-MWac solar ground-mounted solar array footprint would be approximately 37.5 acres in size. This includes the fenced areas with solar PV modules and an equipment area. In addition, a new 20-foot-wide access road will allow entry to the facility from County Road 2175 N. The total acreage for the fenced area and road is 42 acres.

Staff Assignment Name: Damon Armstrong
Project Submittal Date:10/1/2025
Project Approval Date: 2/24/2026
DOE CE Applied: B5.16

Description: Construct solar arrays within a 9 acre area of previously disturbed agriculture land-use. 

Staff Assignment Name: Damon Armstrong
Project Submittal Date:10/1/2025
Project Approval Date: 2/24/2026
DOE CE Applied: B5.16

Description: Construct a 5.0-MWac solar ground-mounted solar array footprint would be approximately 32 acres in size across land previously agricultural land-use.

Staff Assignment Name: Damon Armstrong
Project Submittal Date:10/1/2025
Project Approval Date: 2/24/2026
DOE CE Applied: B5.16