When people talk about the challenges facing our mountain communities, the conversation often sounds familiar.
Wildfire prevention. Forest management. Affordable insurance. Rural healthcare. Broadband access. Reliable roads. Economic development.
Many of those same issues will take center stage this September when leaders from across California’s rural counties gather for the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) 2026 Annual Meeting in Santa Barbara County. But this isn’t just another government conference—it is one of the places where many of the conversations shaping the future of rural California begin.
For residents of Eastern Madera County and other Sierra foothill communities, that means the topics being discussed are likely to hit close to home.
RCRC serves as an advocate for California’s 40 rural counties, representing communities that make up more than 61 percent of the state’s land mass. The organization works with state and federal policymakers on issues ranging from public safety and forest stewardship to transportation, housing, agriculture, water, communications, and economic development.
This year’s Annual Meeting, scheduled for September 23-25 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, will feature discussions on maintaining healthy rural communities, strengthening tribal and county relationships, legislative priorities, and other issues affecting California’s rural counties. The program will also include nationally recognized livestock expert Temple Grandin as the keynote speaker.
While much of the conference is designed for county supervisors, public officials, agency representatives and industry leaders, registration is open to others who have an interest in the future of rural California.
For those who have ever wondered how rural voices reach Sacramento, this is one opportunity to see that process firsthand.
It is also a reminder that meaningful change doesn’t always begin in the Capitol. It often starts with local conversations, shared challenges, and people willing to show up.
Whether you’re a business owner concerned about regulations, a rancher following public lands policy, a nonprofit leader working to strengthen your community, a fire professional focused on wildfire resilience, or simply a resident who wants to better understand the issues facing rural California, attending events like this can provide valuable insight into the decisions that eventually affect communities like Oakhurst, North Fork, Coarsegold, Bass Lake, Ahwahnee, and beyond.
If traveling to Santa Barbara isn’t practical, there are still ways to be part of the conversation.
Residents can contact their county supervisors to share concerns they hope will be represented, follow RCRC’s advocacy efforts throughout the year, and stay informed on legislation affecting rural communities. Those local voices ultimately help shape the priorities county leaders carry into meetings like this.
Registration for the RCRC 2026 Annual Meeting is now open, with early bird pricing currently available. Additional information, the meeting agenda, and registration details are available through the RCRC Annual Meeting website.
