The RCEDA Commissioners: Ryan Oster, Kay Clevidence, Doug Davis, Teri Polumsky, Bob Thomas, Bob Whalen, Ed Greef, Mike Bradt, Allen Bjergo
Ravalli County is the 7th largest county in Montana and 8th largest income tax contributor to the state. It is the job of the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA) to seek fair funding and resources from the state for our county. We applaud the support from our Legislators: Nancy Ballance, David Bedey, Sharon Greef and Fred Thomas on this important endeavor.
Funding for services is regionalized and currently directed to the large urban centers. These offices are to work with smaller counties to allocate their “fair” share. The plan sounds good but it doesn’t work. Rural counties’ share of the funding is cut short, the needs remain unmet, and our population continues to grow.
RCEDA’s request during the 2019 session was to change the funding structure and distribute funds differently. Thanks to our committed legislators, things changed. A program that was off limits to RCEDA was opened and we can now provide stronger support to agriculture and food businesses, reporting requirements have been targeted for accuracy so that state agencies can be accountable and demonstrate funding to rural counties with a more equitable allocation of resources.
Now, in the COVID-19 crisis, these legislators are working closely with RCEDA to help small businesses by seeking and receiving loan payment deferrals from some state programs for the businesses that have had to close.