Introduction

This analysis examines the Rural Community Investment Fund (RCIF) program in Idaho, based on a thorough review of the program's guidelines, application process, and closeout procedures. The RCIF is designed to support rural communities by funding public infrastructure improvements that enable job creation or retention. This examination aims to assess how the program's structure and requirements align with the needs of different business sizes, particularly comparing its accessibility and benefits for small businesses versus large corporations.

The RCIF documentation, spanning over 100 pages across multiple chapters, outlines a complex program that, upon closer inspection, raises significant concerns about transparency and equitable implementation.