This agency is currently inactive. An agency can be labeled inactive if it has been abolished, had a title change, was merged into a different agency or split into different agencies. See Agency History on the right for further information.
Next Review Date: None
Last Review Cycle: 2006-2007 Review Cycle - 80th Legislative Session
Sunset Documents for 2006-2007 Review Cycle, 80th Legislative Session
Summary of Results (Jul 2007)
Staff Report (Sep 2006)
Self-Evaluation Report (Aug 2005)
Legislative Documents
House Bill 2542 (Jun 2007)
Final Results of Last Sunset Review
The Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA) was created in 2001 to assist rural communities with enhancing their quality of life and supporting their ongoing contributions to Texas’ prosperity. ORCA’s main functions include providing direction for state policy on rural development, administering Texas’ federally funded rural Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, and administering several rural health programs. In fiscal year 2006, ORCA operated with a budget of $128 million, including $106 million in federal funds, and a staff of 70 employees.
House Bill 2542 continues ORCA, narrowing its mission and creating a new Board to more effectively serve as a voice for rural concerns and issues. The bill also contains the Sunset Commission’s recommendations requiring ORCA to evaluate the rural CDBG program and more closely coordinate with the Texas Department of Agriculture. The list below summarizes the major provisions of H.B. 2542.
- Continue the Office of Rural Community Affairs for six years with a refocused mission and new leadership to better serve rural Texas.
- Evaluate Texas’ rural Community Development Block Grant program.
- Improve ORCA’s coordination with the Texas Department of Agriculture.