Recreation Economy for Rural Communities Planning Assistance Program (RERC)

The Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) planning assistance program is a federal initiative that supports small towns and rural areas in their efforts to grow outdoor recreation economies and revitalize main streets. Launched in 2019, the program is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Northern Border Regional Commission, and the Denali Commission. The RERC program recognizes the increasing economic significance of outdoor recreation and aims to foster sustainable development that enhances local economies, public health, environmental quality, and community resilience. The program provides planning assistance, not direct funding, to selected communities through a structured process involving a local steering committee, federal partners, and consultants. Over a period of several months, the selected communities engage in planning calls, a community workshop, and follow-up implementation discussions. The goal of this process is to produce a tailored Community Action Plan that identifies strategic actions to develop outdoor recreation assets, revitalize main streets, and ensure equitable access to outdoor opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Eligible applicants include rural communities and small towns with a demonstrated interest in leveraging outdoor recreation for economic and community revitalization. While no formal eligibility list is provided, past recipients have included municipalities, tribal entities, regional councils, and community-based organizations. The program has been implemented in over sixty communities, each working to integrate outdoor recreation with main street development and resilience to climate and economic challenges. The 2025 cycle includes 25 new communities that will participate from 2025 to 2026. Projects vary in focus, but generally include improving trail connectivity, addressing environmental hazards such as flooding and wildfires, revitalizing commercial areas, and enhancing access to recreation and tourism infrastructure. The support provided is in the form of technical planning assistance, not grant money, and communities are expected to collaborate closely with program partners. Applications are currently closed, and the EPA has not announced a specific reopening date. However, the program has shown an annual cadence since its inception, indicating a likely reopening in fall 2026. Interested communities are encouraged to review the program’s FAQ and stay informed via EPA announcements. Questions about the program may be directed to the EPA Smart Growth team, although no dedicated contact information is provided in the current materials. Overall, the RERC program is a significant federal initiative that helps rural communities harness the potential of outdoor recreation for economic diversification, environmental stewardship, and enhanced quality of life. It exemplifies inter-agency collaboration and community-led planning to support long-term resilience and inclusive growth in rural America.

Engage local leaders and community stakeholders early; highlight outdoor recreation potential and main street connection