Rapoza Associates Policy Research Reports and Community Economic Development Analyses

We have produced policy research reports on community economic development, rural development, economic diversification, and housing. Our reports provide effective documentation for clients -- and important insight for policy makers.

Water and Wastewater Systems in Rural Low-Income Communities (2001) - This report analyzes the USDA Rural Utilities Service's Water and Environmental Program's loan and grant program for 1995 to 2000. RUS commissioned this study to understand how low-income rural communities have been affected by changes to the program. The study showed three primary conclusions, and three recommendations. The study concluded that: 1)WEP meets the needs of targeted low-income rural communities; 2) more outside dollars are being leveraged; and 3) financing costs are increasing faster than communities can handle them. The recommendations were: 1) funding, especially for grants and poverty loans, should be increased; 2) WEP should remain federal in nature and rural in focus; and 3) switching is not a threat to low-income communities - but it should be monitored.

Opening Doors to Rural Homeownership: Outcomes from the National Rural Housing Coalition Rural Homeownership Symposium (2000) - Despite continuing high poverty rates in America's rural areas, federal rural housing assistance remains low and is a key barrier to progress toward higher homeownership rates in non-metropolitan areas. This paper cites obstacles to rural homeownership and recommendations for improving rural housing. Its findings include:

- Federal financing of rural homeownership has dropped, now providing assistance for approximately 15,000 units annually, down from 100,000 units in 1985;
- USDA's Rural Housing Service and HUD's HOME program should increase direct assistance to rural homeowners, as well as capacity building funding for private nonprofit organizations helping to finance and build rural housing.

A Literature Review of Rural Housing (1999) - The literature review compiles research, reports, studies, and evaluations on rural housing. It looks at the history, issues and problems facing rural housing through the eyes of researchers who have studied rural America. The research shows that the need for rural housing is acute and that federal programs are, in large, effective but inadequately funded. The literature also shows that rural America has pockets of severe poverty like the Mississippi Delta, Appalachia, Indian Reservations and the colonias along the US/Mexico border. These areas have severe needs for decent, safe and sanitary housing.

Creative Alternative Financing for Rural Rental Housing (1998) - The report is based on a roundtable discussion of non-profit rural rental housing practitioners and a case study of four rental housing projects. The case study showcases how rural housing practitioners are designing and implementing complex projects in order to leverage the millions of dollars needed to build rental housing. The roundtable discussion identifies several recommendations for policy makers to consider when developing policies and legislation for rental housing.

A Survey of the Community Economic Development Program (1997) - This report discusses the results of a survey on the Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Community Services' Community Economic Development Program (CED). The CED program grant approximately $30 million each year to community based organizations. The study tracked CED grants for a five year period in an effort to determine its effectiveness as job creation program.

The Great Water Hookup: Coordinating Federal Regulatory and Financing Policy for Small Drinking Water Systems (1995) - This report considers the challenges facing rural communities as they seek financing to meet federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. The report includes detailed examples of seven states' efforts to bring financiers and regulators together, and offers lessons and recommendations based on their experiences.

Building Communities that Work: A Progress Report from America's Community Development Corporations (1994) - This concise document summarizes the accomplishments of sixteen community development corporations (CDCs) working in both inner-city and rural areas to revitalize local economies and communities.

What Am I Drinking? An Analysis of Small Drinking Water System Needs (1994) - Based on a survey of state water-quality officials, this report assesses the problems facing small community drinking water systems struggling to comply with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

Revolving Loans for Rural America: A History and Assessment of the Rural Development Loan Fund and Intermediary Relending Program (1993) - This analysis of the evolution of a federal rural development program and assessment of its effectiveness in meeting the credit needs of small rural businesses contains case studies of Minnesota, Mississippi, California, and Maine. The report offers insight into how different local intermediaries approach economic development and includes program recommendations aimed at targeting funds to the neediest communities.

Economic Diversification in Timber Dependent Communities (1993) - This critique of the economic situation facing timber-dependent communities in the Northwest contains policy recommendations to promote economic diversification and sustainable economies in the region.

Through the Revolving Door: An Analysis of Rural Wastewater Facility Financing (1991) - This analysis of the effectiveness of state and federal financing programs in addressing the wastewater facilities needs of rural low-income communities contains case studies of Arizona, Minnesota, Washington and West Virginia. The case studies illustrate the varying scope and severity of rural needs.

Searching for the Way that Works: An Analysis of FmHA Rural Development Policy (1990) - This critique of both the infrastructure and business development programs administered by the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA)is based on extensive research, field work, and interviews with FmHA officials. The report found that current programs are insufficiently targeted to the neediest rural communities and offers policy recommendations to improve targeting and effectiveness.

Location, Location, Location: A Report on Residential Mortgage Credit Availability in Rural Areas (1990) - This report offers an analysis of mortgage credit availability in rural communities and examines rural financial institutions and their ability to utilize federal mortgage assistance programs and other rural housing assistance programs targeted to low-and moderate-income homeowners or potential homeowners.