,i #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #dhgd ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,october #bh1 #bjai,mr4 ,delgado 7for himself1 ,mrs4 ,bustos1 ,ms4 ,spanberger1 and ,ms4 ,craig7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,agriculture1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,financial ,services1 and ,energy and ,commerce1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid to establish the ,rural ,innovation and ,partnership ,administration and to amend the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act to establish the ,rural ,future ,partnership ,fund to invest in the rural areas of the ,united ,states to achieve their preferred future while maximizing their contribution to the well-being of the ,united ,states1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,rebuild ,rural ,america ,act of #bjai4 #b4 ,purposes ,the purposes of this ,act are-- 7#a7 to create the scale and capacity that enables rural areas to achieve their preferred future while maximizing their contribution to the well-being of the ,united ,states2 7#b7 to recognize the significant contributions of rural areas of the ,united ,states to the success of the ,united ,states1 including the leading role that the rural areas play in addressing the critical threat of climate change and building a resilient ,united ,states2 7#c7 to make a national commitment to the rural communities and regions of the ,united ,states to ensure that the rural ,united ,states benefits from and contributes to the prosperity of the ,united ,states2 7#d7 to establish a partnership with rural areas of the ,united ,states that provides flexible1 long-term1 and annual ,federal investment for comprehensive1 collaborative1 and locally driven community and economic development that improves quality of life and economic competitiveness2 7#e7 to strengthen rural population centers through collaboration with neighboring rural areas that ensures economic integration and regional development2 7#f7 to strengthen connections between rural and urban areas of the ,united ,states for mutual success and for the benefit of the economy of the ,united ,states and the quality of life of the people of the ,united ,states2 7#g7 to support asset-based development1 maximizing the cost-effectiveness of existing infrastructure2 7#h7 to ensure economic opportunities that create pathways to high-quality1 family-sustaining jobs for all individuals in rural areas of the ,united ,states1 including efforts to address population loss1 to promote the use of cooperatives and other forms of public and employee ownership1 and to expand and improve access to training1 infrastructure1 and investment to adapt to technological change1 such as automation1 for success in the digital economy2 7#i7 to provide for the evolution and expansion of the role of the ,department of ,agriculture in ensuring that rural communities have a dedicated agency and a new delivery system for ,federal assistance for disaster recovery and proactive mitigation and resiliency efforts2 7#aj7 to rebuild and modernize infrastructure and expand investment to support local and regional food systems1 sustainable agriculture production1 and value added agricultural industries2 7#aa7 to support infill development1 preserve undeveloped land1 and remediate brownfields and other contaminated properties for re-use2 and 7#ab7 to support public health and improve quality of life in rural communities by delivering-- 7,a7 universal access to clean air and water2 7,b7 healthy foods available through local and regional food systems2 7,c7 quality1 affordable1 and accessible health care services in the rural communities1 including access to primary and emergency medical services1 mental health care1 and treatment for substance abuse2 7,d7 affordable and reliable clean energy systems2 and 7,e7 quality1 affordable1 and energy-efficient housing choices in the rural communities4 #c4 ,establishment of ,rural ,innovation and ,partnership ,administration 7a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,c of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fida et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bcg4 ,rural ,innovation and ,partnership ,administration 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish in the ,department a ,rural ,innovation and ,partnership ,administration 7referred to in this section as the ,administration74 7b7 ,administrator 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administration shall be headed by an ,administrator of ,rural ,innovation and ,partnerships 7referred to in this section as the ,administrator71 who shall be appointed by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,reporting to ,under ,secretary ,the ,administrator shall report to the ,under ,secretary for ,rural ,development4 7c7 ,functions ,the ,secretary shall carry out through the ,administration the functions of the ,rural ,future ,partnership ,fund established under subtitle ,i of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act4 7d7 ,requirement for ,state offices ,in carrying out the functions of the ,administration1 the ,secretary shall ensure that each ,state office of the rural development mission area is staffed with not less than #c new employees to implement the ,rural ,future ,partnership ,fund established under subtitle ,i of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act1 including providing-- 7#a7 technical assistance2 7#b7 support for capacity building2 7#c7 financial controls2 and 7#d7 performance oversight4 7e7 ,coordination with ,council on ,rural ,community ,innovation and ,economic ,development ,in carrying out the functions of the ,administration1 the ,administrator shall coordinate with the ,council on ,rural ,community ,innovation and ,economic ,development established by section #fcjf of the ,agriculture ,improvement ,act of #bjah 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bbjd;b-#c74 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,section #bif7;b7 of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gjad7;b77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#aa7 ,the authority of the ,secretary to establish and maintain in the ,department the ,rural ,innovation and ,partnership ,administration under section #bcg4 4 7#b7 ,section #fcjf7;f7 of the ,agriculture ,improvement ,act of #bjah 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bbjd;b-#c7;f77 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#e77;,b71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#f7 give priority to coordinating with the ,administrator of ,rural ,innovation and ,partnerships in carrying out the ,rural ,future ,partnership ,fund established under subtitle ,i of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act4 4 #d4 ,rural ,future ,partnership ,fund ,the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aiba et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 ,i ,rural ,future ,partnership ,fund #che;,a4 ,definitions ,in this subtitle3 7#a7 ,council ,the term ,council means a rural partnership council established under paragraph 7#a77;,a77i71 7#b77;,a77i71 or 7#c77;,a77i71 as applicable1 of section #che;,c7a74 7#b7 ,eligible technical assistance provider ,the term eligible technical assistance provider means an entity-- 7,a7 with a demonstrated national or regional structure or capacity to deliver and support multiple rural planning activities across the ,united ,states or within a region of the ,united ,states2 and 7,b7 that is-- 7i7 a federally recognized ,indian ,tribe2 7ii7 an institution of higher education2 7iii7 a nonprofit organization2 or 7iv7 a private organization4 7#c7 ,fund ,the term ,fund means the ,rural ,future ,partnership ,fund established under section #che;,b4 7#d7 ,institution of higher education 7,a7 ,in general ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja74 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the term institution of higher education includes-- 7i7 land-grant colleges and universities 7as defined in section #adjd of the ,national ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,teaching ,policy ,act of #aigg 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cajc772 and 7ii7 associated cooperative extension services4 7#e7 ,plan ,the term ,plan means a rural partnership plan established under section #che;,e7a74 7#f7 ,reservation 7,a7 ,in general ,the term reservation has the meaning given the term ,indian country in section #aaea of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,b7 ,inclusion ,the term reservation includes land held by a ,native group1 a ,regional ,corporation1 or a ,village ,corporation 7as those terms are defined in section #c of the ,alaska ,native ,claims ,settlement ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #afjb774 7#g7 ,rural partnership block grant ,the term rural partnership block grant means a rural partnership block grant awarded under this subtitle4 7#h7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary1 acting through the ,administrator of ,rural ,innovation and ,partnerships4 7#i7 ,workforce housing ,the term workforce housing means1 with respect to housing for a family1 housing the cost of which does not exceed #cj percent of-- 7,a7 subject to subparagraph 7,b71 #abj percent of the median income in the area in which the family lives1 as determined by the ,secretary1 with appropriate adjustments for the size of the family2 or 7,b7 if the ,secretary determines that there are unusually high- or low-family incomes in the area in which the family lives1 such other percentage1 as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate1 of the median income in the area in which the family lives4 #che;,b4 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish a program1 to be known as the ,rural ,future ,partnership ,fund1 under which the ,secretary shall award rural partnership block grants in accordance with this subtitle4 #che;,c4 ,eligibility 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,micropolitan statistical areas 7,a7 ,in general ,to be eligible to receive a rural partnership block grant-- 7i7 one or more units of local government that govern a micropolitan statistical area1 as defined by the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 shall establish a rural partnership council in accordance with subsection 7b72 and 7ii7 that ,council shall submit an application to-- 7,i7 not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of the ,rebuild ,rural ,america ,act of #bjai-- 7aa7 7,,aa7 the applicable ,state2 or 7,,bb7 the applicable ,states1 if the micropolitan statistical area spans more than #a ,state2 and 7bb7 the applicable ,state offices of the rural development mission area2 or 7,,ii7 after the date described in subclause 7,i71 the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,regional collaboration 7i7 ,in general ,on receipt of an application under subparagraph 7,a77ii77,i71 the #a or more ,states1 in coordination with the applicable ,state offices of the rural development mission area1 shall advise the applicant on the inclusion in the ,council1 if practicable1 of #a or more contiguous census tracts or counties that-- 7,i7 fall outside of a micropolitan or metropolitan statistical area2 and 7,,ii7 demonstrate evidence of economic1 social1 and cultural cooperation that enhances the potential for comprehensive1 asset-based regional development4 7ii7 ,decision ,after receipt of advice under clause 7i71 the applicant shall-- 7,i7 decide whether to include #a or more of the applicable contiguous census tracts or counties in the ,council2 and 7,,ii7 modify the application1 as appropriate4 7,c7 ,approval 7i7 ,states ,the #a or more ,states that receive an application under subparagraph 7,a77ii77,i77aa71 in coordination with the applicable ,state offices of the rural development mission area1 shall approve the ,council as eligible to receive a rural partnership block grant if the requirements under subsection 7b7 for the composition of the membership of a ,council are satisfied4 7ii7 ,secretary ,not less frequently than once each year1 the ,secretary1 in coordination with the applicable ,state offices of the rural development mission area1 may approve applications received under subparagraph 7,a77ii77,,ii7 if the requirements under subsection 7b7 for the composition of the membership of a ,council are satisfied4 7#b7 ,areas outside of micropolitan and metropolitan statistical areas 7,a7 ,in general ,to be eligible to receive a rural partnership block grant-- 7i7 #a or more entities described in subsection 7b77#a7 that are located in1 or represent1 #b or more contiguous census tracts or counties in an area that is not within a micropolitan statistical area or a metropolitan statistical area1 as defined by the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 and are not represented by a ,council established under paragraph 7#a77;,a77i7 or 7#c77;,a77i71 shall establish a rural partnership council in accordance with subsection 7b72 and 7ii7 that ,council shall submit an application to-- 7,i7 not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of the ,rebuild ,rural ,america ,act of #bjai-- 7aa7 the #a or more applicable ,states2 and 7bb7 the applicable ,state offices of the rural development mission area2 or 7,,ii7 after the date described in subclause 7,i71 the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,approval 7i7 ,states ,the #a or more ,states that receive an application under subparagraph 7,a77ii77,i77aa71 in coordination with the applicable ,state offices of the rural development mission area1 shall approve the ,council as eligible to receive a rural partnership block grant if-- 7,i7 the requirements under subsection 7b7 for the composition of the membership of a ,council are satisfied2 and 7,,ii7 the area to be represented by the ,council-- 7aa7 is of practicable geographic size2 and 7bb7 demonstrates evidence of economic1 social1 and cultural cooperation that enhances the potential for comprehensive1 asset-based regional development4 7ii7 ,secretary ,not less frequently than once each year1 the ,secretary1 in coordination with the applicable ,state offices of the rural development mission area1 may approve applications received under subparagraph 7,a77ii77,,ii7 if the requirements described in clause 7i7 are satisfied4 7#c7 ,indian reservations 7,a7 ,in general ,to be eligible to receive a rural partnership block grant-- 7i7 an ,indian ,tribe that has jurisdiction over a reservation shall establish a rural partnership council in accordance with subsection 7b72 and 7ii7 that ,council shall submit an application to the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,approval 7i7 ,in general ,on receipt of an application that was submitted under subparagraph 7,a77ii7 not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of the ,rebuild ,rural ,america ,act of #bjai1 the ,secretary1 in coordination with the applicable ,state offices of the rural development mission area1 shall approve the ,council as eligible to receive a rural partnership block grant if the requirements under subsection 7b7 for the composition of the membership of a ,council are satisfied4 7ii7 ,subsequent applications ,not less frequently than once each year1 the ,secretary1 in coordination with the applicable ,state offices of the rural development mission area1 may approve applications submitted under subparagraph 7,a77ii7 later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of the ,rebuild ,rural ,america ,act of #bjai if the requirements under subsection 7b7 for the composition of the membership of a ,council are satisfied4 7b7 ,membership ,each ,council-- 7#a7 shall include #a or more representatives of-- 7,a7 a ,district ,organization 7as defined in section #cjj4c of title #ac1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or successor regulations77 or a comparable regional planning organization if there is no applicable ,district ,organization2 7,b7 #a or more units of local government1 or #a or more entities designated by a unit of local government1 within the applicable area2 and 7,c7 a public or nonprofit organization2 7#b7 may include #a or more representatives of-- 7,a7 an economic development or other community or labor organization2 7,b7 a financial institution1 including a community development financial institution 7as defined in section #ajc of the ,community ,development ,banking and ,financial ,institutions ,act of #aiid 7#ab ,u4,s4,c4 #dgjb772 7,c7 a philanthropic organization2 7,d7 a rural cooperative2 7,e7 an entity with experience in the development of cooperatives2 7,f7 an institution of higher education2 7,g7 elementary or secondary education2 7,h7 a private entity2 7,i7 a ,tribal organization2 7,j7 a metropolitan planning organization 7as defined in section #acd7;b7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code72 7,k7 any other regional planning organization2 or 7,l7 any other entity1 as determined to be appropriate by the ,council2 and 7#c7 shall be composed of an odd number of members4 7c7 ,revisions 7#a7 ,in general ,not more frequently than once every #e years1 a ,council may submit to the #a or more applicable ,states1 or to the ,secretary in the case of a ,council established by an ,indian ,tribe1 an application to revise the geographic boundary of the applicable area represented by the ,council4 7#b7 ,final approval by ,secretary ,an application submitted to #a or more ,states under paragraph 7#a7 shall be subject to final approval by the ,secretary4 #che;,d4 ,rural partnership block grants 7a7 ,allocation of funds 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary shall allocate rural partnership block grant funds to ,councils proportionately based on the population of each area represented by a ,council4 7#b7 ,high poverty rates ,the ,secretary shall allocate to a ,council an amount equal to #c times the applicable amount under paragraph 7#a7 with respect to each individual residing in a census tract1 or a group of contiguous census tracts1 that-- 7,a7 has a poverty rate of #bj percent or greater2 and 7,b7 is within or comprises the applicable area4 7b7 ,distribution ,the ,secretary shall distribute rural partnership block grant funds annually to each ,council during the term of the rural partnership block grant4 7c7 ,term ,a rural partnership block grant-- 7#a7 shall be for a term of #e years2 and 7#b7 may be renewed4 7d7 ,grant agreements 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,council shall enter into an agreement with the ,secretary1 under which the ,council1 in coordination with the ,secretary1 shall establish performance measures and reporting requirements that shall be met by the end of each year for which the ,council receives funds under the ,fund4 7#b7 ,violations ,if the ,secretary determines that a ,council has failed to meet any requirements of the applicable agreement under paragraph 7#a71 is not making reasonable progress towards meeting that requirement1 or is otherwise in violation of that agreement1 the ,secretary may-- 7,a7 withhold funds under the ,fund until the ,council remedies the applicable violation2 or 7,b7 terminate the agreement4 #che;,e4 ,rural partnership plans 7a7 ,establishment ,each ,council shall establish1 maintain1 evaluate1 and report to the ,secretary progress on a rural partnership plan in accordance with this section4 7b7 ,coordination with other plans 7#a7 ,in general ,in developing a ,plan under this section1 a ,council is encouraged to utilize existing ,federal plans1 and existing ,state1 regional1 or ,tribal plans1 so as to reduce duplicative efforts and align ,federal investment4 7#b7 ,federal plans ,existing ,federal plans referred to in paragraph 7#a7 include-- 7,a7 the ,comprehensive ,economic ,development ,strategy of the ,economic ,development ,administration2 7,b7 a local plan1 as defined in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb72 7,c7 the ,consolidated ,plan of the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development2 7,d7 plans developed by metropolitan planning organizations under section #acd of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code2 7,e7 plans developed by regional transportation planning organizations designated under section #ace7m7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 or section #ecjd7l7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code 7commonly known as a rural transportation planning organization72 7,f7 emergency preparedness and hazard mitigation plans required by the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 7,g7 the ,drinking ,water ,action ,plan of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency2 7,h7 a good neighbor agreement 7as defined in section #hbjf7;a7 of the ,agricultural ,act of #bjad 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #baac;a7a7772 and 7,i7 strategic plans developed by ,federal regional commissions1 including-- 7i7 the ,appalachian ,regional ,commission established by section #adcja7;a7 of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code2 7ii7 the ,delta ,regional ,authority established under subtitle ,f of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjji;aa et seq472 7iii7 the ,denali ,commission established under the ,denali ,commission ,act of #aiih 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #caba note2 title ,,iii of division ,c of ,public ,law #aje-bgg72 7iv7 the ,northern ,border ,regional ,commission established by section #aecja7;a77#c7 of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code2 7v7 the ,northern ,great ,plains ,regional ,authority established under subtitle ,g of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjji;bb et seq472 7vi7 the ,southeast ,crescent ,regional ,commission established by section #aecja7;a77#a7 of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7vii7 the ,southwest ,border ,regional ,commission established by section #aecja7;a77#b7 of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code4 7c7 ,contents ,to the maximum extent practicable1 a ,plan shall include-- 7#a7 a plan to coordinate and build capacity across jurisdictions in the applicable area to develop and implement the ,plan1 including by targeting assistance to high-poverty and other struggling areas within that region2 7#b7 a plan that outlines feasible steps and achievable goals1 timelines1 and strategies for implementing the ,plan1 including making interjurisdictional agreements that provide for cooperative and coordinated approaches to achieving the goals of the ,plan2 7#c7 a prioritization of projects for funding and implementation1 when practicable1 including by providing-- 7,a7 a description of each prioritized project proposed to be carried out2 and 7,b7 a budget for each project described in subparagraph 7,a7 that includes-- 7i7 preliminary actions that have been or must be taken at the local or regional level to implement the project2 7ii7 the anticipated ,federal share of the cost of the project2 and 7iii7 a description of the source of the non-,federal share of funds or in-kind contributions for the project2 7#d7 an assessment of current and future trends in the applicable area1 which may include-- 7,a7 population growth or loss1 and demographic changes1 in the region2 7,b7 accessibility of job centers within the region to public transportation facilities and housing2 7,c7 infrastructure needs in the region1 including-- 7i7 projected water needs and sources2 7ii7 any need for sewer infrastructure2 7iii7 the existence of flood plains2 7iv7 the needs of local and regional food systems1 agricultural producers1 and value-added agricultural industries2 and 7v7 any need for affordable1 high-speed internet1 including new technologies for mobile internet services and for affordable1 reliable cellular phone coverage2 7,d7 challenges in basic services within the region1 including pressing health challenges2 7,e7 skills and education for in-demand1 quality jobs and for regional economic development1 which may include retraining and education of incumbent or displaced workers2 and 7,f7 access to private debt and investment capital2 7#e7 a plan to develop opportunities for economic diversification and innovation within the applicable area1 with particular attention to-- 7,a7 agricultural diversification and supply chain development2 7,b7 the conversion of existing businesses to employee or local ownership1 such as a cooperative2 7,c7 entrepreneurial support2 7,d7 clean energy2 7,e7 manufacturing2 and 7,f7 technological innovation2 7#f7 a plan for improving environmental resiliency1 efficient land use1 remediation of brownfields and other contaminated properties for re-use1 mixed-use development1 and the preservation of agricultural1 green1 and open space1 including-- 7,a7 an assessment of projected loss of agricultural and rural land and other green space to development2 and 7,b7 a description of methods to minimize loss described in subparagraph 7,a72 7#g7 a plan for ensuring that no community or county in the applicable area is excluded from receiving assistance through the rural partnership block grant1 including timelines and goals for targeting assistance to high-poverty census tracts included in the area2 7#h7 a plan for building greater collaboration between-- 7,a7 rural population centers and neighboring rural areas of the applicable area2 and 7,b7 the applicable area and neighboring urban areas2 7#i7 a plan for the creation and preservation of workforce housing and affordable1 energy-efficient housing for all ages1 incomes1 races1 and ethnicities1 including-- 7,a7 cooperative housing2 and 7,b7 limited equity cooperative housing2 7#aj7 a plan to develop opportunities to revitalize existing communities1 including infill development and utilizing existing assets1 such as natural assets and public infrastructure2 and 7#aa7 such other information or plans as a ,council or the ,secretary determines to be appropriate4 7d7 ,approval 7#a7 ,in general ,not less frequently than annually1 each ,council shall approve a ,plan by a majority vote of the members of the ,council for submission to the ,secretary for final approval under paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,approval by ,secretary ,on receipt of a ,plan under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary may approve or disapprove the ,plan4 #che;,f4 ,use of grant funds 7a7 ,planning ,during the first #b years of the term of a rural partnership block grant1 a ,council may use the funds for comprehensive planning and capacity building to implement a ,plan4 7b7 ,implementation 7#a7 ,in general ,a ,council shall use funds under a rural partnership block grant to implement a ,plan4 7#b7 ,permissible uses ,in using funds to implement a ,plan under paragraph 7#a71 a ,council may use the funds-- 7,a7 to support the development of critical infrastructure necessary to facilitate economic development in the applicable area1 including high-speed internet1 including new technologies for mobile internet services and for affordable1 reliable cellular phone coverage2 7,b7 to support activities to achieve greater economic and environmental resiliency1 including for emergency preparedness1 disaster recovery1 and hazard mitigation2 7,c7 to provide assistance to entities within the applicable area that provide basic public services1 such as-- 7i7 child care centers2 7ii7 nonprofit health care1 including community health centers1 primary and emergency medical care1 mental health1 and substance abuse treatment providers2 7iii7 public libraries2 7iv7 community centers2 7v7 public schools2 and 7vi7 nonprofit technology centers1 including business incubators and business accelerators2 7,d7 to provide assistance with education1 job training1 workforce development1 or other needs relating to the development and maintenance of a strong workforce and support of youth1 unemployed1 underemployed1 dislocated1 disabled1 adult1 and incumbent workers and individuals with a barrier to employment2 7,e7 to provide assistance in the development of innovative collaborations that link public1 private1 and philanthropic resources to achieve collaboratively designed regional advancement2 7,f7 to promote and use employee ownership1 cooperatives1 and local ownership in the development of infrastructure1 businesses1 and community services2 7,g7 to acquire1 or demolish improvements on1 real property2 7,h7 to construct or rehabilitate residential or nonresidential structures2 7,i7 to develop new affordable low-income and workforce housing options that ensure mixed-income development2 7,j7 to construct public facilities and improvements1 such as water and sewer facilities1 streets1 community centers1 and the conversion of school buildings for other purposes that are eligible for funding under this subsection2 7,k7 to establish new connections between rural population centers and neighboring rural areas within the applicable area1 and between the applicable area and urban areas1 relating to systems such as the supply of clean energy1 workforce sheds1 food systems1 supply chains1 commuting patterns1 and outdoor recreation2 7,l7 to carry out activities relating to-- 7i7 energy conservation2 7ii7 the development1 storage1 and use of clean energy resources2 and 7iii7 bio-based manufacturing2 7,m7 to rebuild and modernize infrastructure and expand investment to support agricultural diversification and supply chain development2 7,n7 to promote integrated transportation1 housing1 energy1 and economic development activities carried out across policy areas and governmental jurisdictions2 7,o7 to coordinate business development1 land use1 housing1 transportation1 and infrastructure planning processes across jurisdictions and agencies2 7,p7 to address public health needs1 including-- 7i7 access to mental health and substance abuse services2 and 7ii7 access to healthy1 locally1 and regionally grown foods2 7,q7 to encourage entrepreneurship and the scale-up of existing business operations by-- 7i7 improving access to capital1 including market-based financing1 such as angel1 venture1 equity1 and equity-like capital2 7ii7 facilitating collaboration between entrepreneurs and institutions of higher education and applied research institutions for the purposes of commercialization of research or adoption of technology or processes2 7iii7 assisting with integration into a supply chain2 and 7iv7 providing mentor1 networking1 and support services for entrepreneurs1 including establishing business incubators or accelerators2 7,r7 to develop innovative public and private collaborations for investments in the applicable area2 7,s7 to use arts and culture for improvements in economic development1 education1 training1 and quality of life2 7,t7 to revitalize downtown corridors and other community centers to create vibrant1 mixed-use neighborhoods2 7,u7 to expand access to domestic and international markets for businesses and agricultural producers2 7,v7 to lead development programming for organizations or cohorts of organizations included in the ,plan2 7,w7 to provide matching funds for other ,federal funding if that other ,federal funding is for a project that is in accordance with the goals of the ,plan2 7,x7 to promote the use of energy efficiency in applicable projects2 and 7,y7 to provide technical assistance for cooperative conversions1 startups1 and expansions1 including education on cooperative governance4 #che;,g4 ,access to ,federal programs 7a7 ,definition of rural development program ,in this section1 the term rural development program means-- 7#a7 community facility direct and guaranteed loans under section #cjf7;a72 7#b7 water or waste disposal grants or direct or guaranteed loans under paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 of section #cjf7;a72 7#c7 community facility grants under paragraph 7#ai71 7#bj71 or 7#ba7 of section #cjf7;a72 7#d7 the rural cooperative development grant program established under section #caj;,b7e72 7#e7 business and industry guaranteed loans under section #caj;,b7g72 7#f7 the rural microentrepreneur assistance program established under section #cgi;,e2 7#g7 the rural broadband access program established under title ,,vi of the ,rural ,electrification ,act of #aicf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #iej;bb et seq472 7#h7 value-added producer grants under section #baj;,a7d77#e7 of the ,agricultural ,marketing ,act of #aidf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #afbg;c7d77#e772 7#i7 the ,healthy ,food ,financing ,initiative established under section #bdc of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fiec72 7#aj7 the ,rural ,energy for ,america ,program established under section #ijjg of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #hajg72 7#aa7 the rural energy savings program under section #fdjg of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #hajg;a72 7#ab7 rural rental housing direct loans under section #eae of the ,housing ,act of #aidi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adhe72 7#ac7 the housing preservation grant program under section #ecc of the ,housing ,act of #aidi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adijm72 7#ad7 loan guarantees for multifamily rental housing in rural areas under section #ech of the ,housing ,act of #aidi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adijp-#b72 7#ae7 housing preservation and revitalization demonstration loans and grants provided by the ,rural ,housing ,service2 and 7#af7 multifamily housing transfer and prepayment technical assistance grants provided by the ,rural ,housing ,service4 7b7 ,waiver of matching funds requirements ,the ,secretary shall waive any matching funds requirement under a rural development program for a project that is carried out in an applicable area that is within or comprises a census tract1 or a group of contiguous census tracts1 that has a poverty rate of #bj percent or greater4 7c7 ,priority consideration for other rural development programs ,the ,secretary shall give priority under a rural development program for an application for a project that-- 7#a7 is included in and supports a ,plan2 7#b7 is eligible for the applicable program from which the funds were set aside2 and 7#c7 is carried out in the applicable area covered by the ,plan4 7d7 ,other ,federal agencies ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 acting as the ,chair of the ,council on ,rural ,community ,innovation and ,economic ,development established by section #fcjf of the ,agriculture ,improvement ,act of #bjah 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bbjd;b-#c71 may invite a member of that ,council to give priority under the programs carried out by the member for a project that satisfies the criteria described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c7 of subsection 7c74 #che;,h4 ,capacity building and technical assistance partners 7a7 ,capacity building 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall provide to a ,council training1 education1 support1 and advice to enhance the technical assistance1 research1 organizational1 and other capacities of the ,council in carrying out activities under the ,fund4 7#b7 ,activities ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,rural ,development ,innovation ,center established by the ,secretary of ,agriculture or through a contract for services entered into with an eligible technical assistance provider1 may provide training1 education1 support1 and advice that addresses-- 7,a7 emergent innovative opportunities that are not covered by an existing ,plan2 7,b7 entrepreneurial opportunities to advance the goals of the ,fund2 7,c7 opportunities to advance a more integrative rural policy framework for the ,united ,states1 including building regional connections between urban areas and rural areas2 7,d7 with support from the ,chief ,information ,officer of the ,department of ,agriculture1 the tracking1 collection1 and analysis of data and measurements for assessing the progress of ,plans2 and 7,e7 best practices based on-- 7i7 the experiences of ,councils2 and 7ii7 domestic and international rural development practices4 7b7 ,rural ,future ,leadership ,institute 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a ,rural ,future ,leadership ,institute 7referred to in this subsection as the ,institute74 7#b7 ,selection of entities 7,a7 ,in general ,under the ,institute1 each year the ,secretary shall select individuals to participate in the ,institute4 7,b7 ,preference ,in selecting individuals to participate in the ,institute under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall give preference to an individual residing in1 or directly assisting1 an area represented by a ,council4 7#c7 ,activities ,the ,secretary shall provide to each individual that is selected to participate in the ,institute under paragraph 7#b7 year-long programming such as-- 7,a7 skill-building seminars2 7,b7 best practice reviews2 7,c7 site visits2 7,d7 performance measurement and data analytics2 and 7,e7 other training and capacity building activities4 7#d7 ,peer exchange program ,in carrying out the ,institute1 the ,secretary shall establish a peer exchange program within and across areas represented by ,councils to promote industry-leading practices1 innovations relating to the organizational development1 program delivery1 and regional initiatives of the ,councils1 and opportunities to build collaborative relationships between urban leaders and rural leaders4 7c7 ,rural ,future ,corps 7#a7 ,definition of ,ameri,corps participant ,in this subsection1 the term ,ameri,corps participant means a participant under subtitle ,c of title ,i of the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abega et seq47 who received an approved national service position provided under section #aba7;b7 of that ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abega7;b774 7#b7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall enter into an agreement with the ,corporation for ,national and ,community ,service under section #aba7;b7 of the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abega7;b77 to establish a ,rural ,future ,corps in which ,ameri,corps participants shall serve in areas represented by ,councils1 to implement the ,plans of the ,councils1 including serving through-- 7,a7 expansion of critical services such as child care1 health1 nutrition assistance1 education1 and job training2 and 7,b7 strengthening the capacity of units of local government and economic1 community1 and cooperative development organizations to implement community and economic development activities4 7#c7 ,retention ,on completion of service of an ,ameri,corps participant in the ,rural ,future ,corps1 the ,secretary shall encourage the retention of the participant in the applicable area in which the participant served4 7#d7 ,relationship to national service programs ,notwithstanding section #abb7;a7 of the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abgeb7;a771 for purposes of that ,act1 the approved national service positions provided under the agreement for the ,rural ,future ,corps program will be considered to be used to support a national service program under section #abb7;b7 of that ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abegb7;b774 7d7 ,map ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,chief ,information ,officer of the ,department of ,agriculture1 shall make publicly available on a website a map of areas represented by ,councils1 including1 with respect to each area1 the members of the ,council4 7e7 ,technical assistance partners ,the ,secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement under section #fjg7;b77#d7 of the ,rural ,development ,act of #aigb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bbjd;b7b77#d77 with an eligible technical assistance provider to provide technical assistance to the ,secretary and ,councils in carrying out the ,fund4 #che;,i4 ,evaluation and reporting 7a7 ,evaluations ,not later than the last day of the fourth year of the first rural partnership block grant awarded to a ,council1 and annually thereafter-- 7#a7 the ,secretary shall evaluate the performance of the ,council in carrying out the ,plan of the ,council in relation to the benchmarks established under subsection 7b72 and 7#b7 the ,council shall use the evaluation under paragraph 7#a7 in updating the ,plan under section #che;,e7d77#a74 7b7 ,reporting benchmarks 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with ,councils and national providers of technical assistance under section #che;,h7e71 shall establish annual reporting benchmarks relating to the purposes of the ,fund4 7#b7 ,existing measures ,in establishing reporting benchmarks under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall consider relevant existing performance measures used in programs of the rural development mission area-- 7,a7 to achieve alignment with those programs2 and 7,b7 to allow for opportunities for a partnership block grant to leverage other funding provided under those programs4 7c7 ,reports ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 not less frequently than annually1 prepare and submit to ,congress a report describing-- 7,a7 the implementation of the ,fund2 and 7,b7 an assessment of future goals for the ,fund2 and 7#b7 include the assessment described in paragraph 7#a77;,b7 in the comprehensive rural development strategy under section #fjg7;c7 of the ,rural ,development ,act of #aigb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bbjd;b7c774 #che;,j4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the ,fund #aj1jjj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbd1 of which-- 7#a7 #ajj1jjj1jjj for each fiscal year shall be used for administrative functions1 including staff and information technology infrastructure1 of the ,rural ,innovation and ,partnership ,administration2 and 7#b7 #dj1jjj1jjj for each fiscal year shall be used to carry out section #che;,h4 4