Investing In Rural California Infrastructure Event Coming In 2026

MODESTO, CA – Rural infrastructure leaders from across California will gather in Modesto on February 18 for a focused regional convening addressing long-standing investment gaps in rural communities.

The event, titled Investing in Rural California Infrastructure: North Central Valley, will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Stanislaus County Harvest Hall. Organizers expect strong attendance from local, state, and federal partners.

The in-person convening marks the second in a three-part statewide series. Each event centers on practical solutions for rural infrastructure development and maintenance. Together, the series aims to strengthen coordination across agencies, funders, and community leaders.

The gathering is free to attend. However, advance registration is required. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Organizers say rural infrastructure needs continue to grow. Meanwhile, funding and technical capacity often lag behind. As a result, many rural communities struggle to complete critical projects.

The February event will bring those challenges directly to decision-makers. It will also spotlight successful models already working across California.

Opening remarks will begin at 10:00 a.m. Leilani Barnett, Senior Outreach Manager with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, will welcome participants. She will be joined by leadership from Sierra Health Foundation.

Next, a rural infrastructure challenges overview will set the stage. Sara Brookes, a loan officer with USDA Rural Development, will outline current barriers. Bob Burris, Deputy Chief Economic Development Officer with the Rural County Representatives of California, will add a county-level perspective.

Together, the speakers will address funding gaps, aging systems, and regulatory complexity. They will also discuss the unique constraints facing smaller jurisdictions.

Following that session, the agenda turns interactive. At 10:30 a.m., a technical assistance and funding panel will begin. Community representatives will present real project needs. Panelists will then respond with feedback and potential solutions.

The panel includes experts from state agencies and nonprofit lenders. Participants include Sara Brookes of USDA Rural Development and Joe Karkoski of the State Water Resources Control Board. Eva Dominguez from Self-Help Enterprises will also serve as a panelist. Additional expertise will come from Charles “Drew” Lester of the Rural Community Assistance Corporation. The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank has also been invited.

Organizers designed the panel to encourage candid discussion. Communities will share obstacles openly. In turn, funders will suggest realistic next steps.

Later, at 11:45 a.m., the event shifts again. Audience members with resources to offer will have time to speak. This segment allows agencies and organizations to introduce programs or funding tools.

Lunch and networking will follow at noon. Attendees will have time to connect informally. Many partnerships, organizers note, often start during these conversations.

At 1:00 p.m., the agenda highlights success. Community leaders will deliver lightning-round presentations. Each will share infrastructure projects that reached completion. These stories will focus on lessons learned and replicable strategies.

Organizers believe these examples matter. They demonstrate that progress is possible, even with limited resources.

Closing remarks will begin at 1:50 p.m. The event will adjourn promptly at 2:00 p.m.

The convening welcomes a broad audience. Rural community leaders are encouraged to attend. Nonprofit and community-based organizations are also invited. Local, state, and federal agencies will be represented. Utility providers, elected officials, financial institutions, and philanthropic organizations will also participate.

According to organizers, the benefits extend beyond one day. Attendees gain access to new contacts and funding insights. They also leave with stronger partnerships.

The event is hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Rural Community Assistance Corporation, and Self-Help Enterprises. Together, the hosts aim to move conversations toward action.

For rural communities across the North Central Valley, that action cannot come soon enough. Aging water systems, roads, and utilities continue to strain local budgets. Yet, coordinated investment offers a path forward.

By bringing stakeholders together in one room, organizers hope to accelerate solutions. In doing so, they aim to strengthen rural California for decades to come.

For more information about the event, click HERE.
To register for the event, click HERE.

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