Congratulations to the RMA's Economic Development and Planning Branch for receiving the 2018 American Planning Association's Award of Merit for Opportunity and Empowerment (California Chapter). This award is the result of a collaborative effort among staff, community liaisons, and residents to develop individual Community Plans for 22 of our disadvantaged rural communities. Community Plans are a comprehensive study of the current state of the infrastructure (such as road conditions, utilities, and schools) in the unincorporated regions of Tulare County, and include proposals on how to make improvements in the future. These plans will support the County's effort as its agencies work towards the goal of ensuring that all of our communities have safe and healthy environments in which residents can thrive.