 Check out this month's issue:
Listening, Partnering, Delivering for Rural Colorado
Serving as the State Director for Colorado is both an honor and a responsibility I take very seriously. Colorado’s Rural Communities are the backbone of our state, and my goal is simple - to make USDA Rural Development a strong reliable partner for the people who live and work there.
Colorado’s rural areas face unique challenges, but they also have tremendous opportunities. Every corner of our state is different from the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope, from mountain towns to agricultural communities. USDA is here to invest in programs for affordable housing, business development, water and wastewater, and community facilities.
Across Colorado, our team works alongside local governments, tribes, nonprofits, cooperatives, and small businesses to turn ideas into action. Whether your community is tackling a long-planned infrastructure project or exploring new opportunities for growth, we want to be part of the solution.
We’re excited to celebrate our past successes and to continue building strong partnerships across Colorado. Turning local priorities into lasting solutions is our role. As we look ahead, we’re ready to get back out in our communities. I invite you to reach out to our team and ask questions, start the conversation with us to learn more about our programs and resources and explore how USDA Rural Development can support your community. Our doors are open and we’re here to serve. Together we can continue to build strong, vibrant rural communities across the state.
Learn more online at https://www.rd.usda.gov/co.
Your partner in service,
|
 Sallie Clark, State Director Colorado State Office
sallie.clark@usda.gov
The new My RD Loan Portal is live and provides a secure website for borrowers to make online payments and manage their Single Family Housing home loans! Borrowers now can pay and self-service their USDA home loan through the portal, eliminating the need to call the Servicing Office and facilitating a faster repayment. Borrowers are required to register for access.
My RD Loan Portal features:
- Payment scheduling 24/7
- Loan details
- Personal information
- Property tax and insurance
- Year-end tax information
My RD Loan Portal Access: www.myRDLoan.usda.gov.
Find more information here.
Keeping busy around the state, check out what TEAM RD has been up to in the past few months.
Fountain Creek Watershed Summit Welcomed USDA Rural Development
 State Director Sallie Clark joined members and attendees of the Fountain Creek Watershed District at the "State of the Watershed Summit" to discuss USDA's water programs and how they support sustainable water systems in rural areas.
On the Ground at Water Congress
USDA Rural Development State Director Sallie Clark was joined by Allison Ruiz, Community Programs Loan Specialist and Derry Xu, State Environmental Specialist at the Colorado Water Congress. Clark was able to present information on how USDA's water programs are strengthening rural water systems across Colorado. It was a great opportunity for conversation and collaboration.
Pictured: Top Left and Middle: Allison Ruiz, State Director Clark, and Derry Xu. Top Right: State Representative Larry Don Suckla, State Director Clark, and Alamosa Former County Commissioner Darius Allen.
Community, Commitment, and New Homes in Florence
Seeing rural housing investments come to life! Team RD celebrated the grand opening of six new homes supported through our Mutual Self-Help Program with the Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments in Florence, CO.
Pictured left to right: Rich Millard, President & CEO, Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance and State Director Clark; State Director Clark and representatives from the Upper Arkansas Area Council on Governments - Board Chair Mayor H.A. "Buck" Wenzel, Justin Crow, Self Help Housing Construction Supervisor, and Dave Paul, Executive Director; and USDA staff, UAACOG representatives, and the six homeowners in Florence, CO.
Housing Conversations in Washington County
Pam Ritchey, Housing Loan Specialist attended a productive housing meeting in Washington County. Great ideas generated and strong engagement around solutions for local housing needs. Rural Development is looking forward to turning conversation into action. Find out more about our housing programs.
Building Connections at Ag Conference in Monte Vista
Business Programs Loan Specialist John Reddy connected with Ag Producers at the Southern Rocky Mountain Ag Conference in Monte Vista. It was a great opportunity to share with producers and farmers/ranches on how our business programs can support their operations. Lots of good ideas and energy in the room. Find more information about our business programs.
Rural Voices Front and Center
State Director Sallie Clark joined representatives from Club 20 at the Voices of Rural Colorado in Denver. The event focused on issues impacting rural communities in Colorado and connected community leaders and state officials to discuss challenges and opportunities in rural areas.
Pictured left to right: Wade A. Haerle, Club 20 Executive Director, Andrea Wilson, Club 20 Chief Operating Officer, and State Director Clark.
USDA Rural Development offers numerous programs focused on supporting rural America. Below are some of the opportunities available.
Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Rural Development provides loan guarantees to commercial lenders for loans to eligible rural businesses. Application deadline: Applications are accepted from lenders year-round.
Community Facilities Direct Loan Program U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Rural Development provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Projects include fire and rescue stations, town halls, health care clinics and hospitals. Application deadline: Open
Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Rural Development provides loan guarantees to eligible lenders to develop essential community facilities (CF) in rural areas. Examples of community facilities include health care facilities, buildings like town halls, and public safety facilities such as fire departments. Application deadline: Open
Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Programs U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Rural Development provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. Application deadline: 3/31/2026
Timber Production and Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP) U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Rural Development provides financial support to qualified lenders whose loan applicants want to establish, reopen, expand, or improve a sawmill or other wood processing facility that process ecosystem restoration byproducts from USDA Forest Service National Forest System lands. Application deadline: Applications will be accepted until funds are expended.
Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Rural Development provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage and solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Application deadline: Open
Water and Waste Disposal Pre-development Planning Grants U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Rural Development offers grants to help eligible low-income, rural communities plan and develop applications for the Water and Waste Disposal loan/grant and loan guarantee programs. Application deadline: Open
Value Added Producer Grant Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development funds help agricultural producers generate new products, create or expand marketing opportunities, and diversity revenue. Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. Applications are accepted for processing from Agricultural Producers from February 17, 2026, through 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), April 22, 2026. To begin an application in Colorado for Fiscal Year 2026, contact Bill Chester, william.chester@usda.gov or Robert McElroy, robert.mcelroy@usda.gov to review the requirements for completing an application.
Click here to learn more about all USDA Rural Development programs.
Our Team Colorado is located throughout the state and if you have an event or meeting you'd like a representative from USDA Rural Development to attend to learn more about funding opportunities available please let us know.
We would love the opportunity to visit your community. Please contact Amy Mund,
Public Information Officer, amy.mund@usda.gov, (720) 544-2906. We look forward to seeing you on the road and in future pictures!
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender
|
