On June 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a reorganization of the Rural Development mission area to strengthen customer service, improve program accessibility, and enhance support for rural communities across the country. This effort aligns with USDA’s broader initiative to modernize operations, increase accountability, and ensure federal resources are positioned where they can deliver the greatest impact.

Engineering for USDA Water and Waste Projects

Changes and Simplifications to Preliminary Engineering Report Requirements

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Michigan State Director Dom Restuccia today announced a $250,000 investment to relocate and renovate the Bates Township Hall in Iron County. The hall serves as the center for the township government and an election polling location.

The funding announcement was made while Rural Development was co-hosting an Opportunity Zone roundtable in Marquette. Another Opportunity Zone roundtable will take place on June 25 in Sault Ste. Marie.

These proven leaders will strengthen rural policy and ensure continuity

(WASHINGTON, D.C., June 23, 2026) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced a series of leadership appointments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including new roles within the Rural Development mission area. These appointments reflect the Department's continued commitment to implementing President Trump's America First agenda and putting Farmers First across rural America.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Oklahoma State Director Zachary Swartz today announced that the Trump Administration is delivering $465,000 in emergency grant assistance to the city of Hominy due to a failed water transmission line.

(Clinton, Tenn., June 18, 2026) – U.S.

Rural Development Realignment Reinforces Commitment to Rural Communities 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega announced that the agency provided the Illinois Valley Food Pantry in Peru, Illinois, with $550,000 in funding. The food pantry serves nine rural communities in LaSalle County, serving on average 750 families a month experiencing food insecurity.

(Washington, D.C., June 17, 2026) – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development hosted the 2026 National Lender of the Year Awards Ceremony to recognize the work of its top national lending partners supporting rural homeownership. These lenders helped rural families and individuals buy homes across the nation last year through USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program.