Yuma Rural Development Office to stay open
Miriam Ordonez
YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – After pushback from Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), the Yuma Rural Development Office is staying open.
The USDA had planned to close the office as part of a broader lease termination effort, but changed course after Senator Gallego intervened.
Local leaders say the office is important for rural communities, helping secure over $600 million in grants and loans across southern Arizona.
“On behalf of our entire community, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Senator Ruben Gallego. When the Yuma Rural Development Office was slated for closure as part of the DOGE lease terminations, it was a dire situation for our town and countless families. Senator Gallego understood the profound impact this would have on access to critical resources and economic opportunities here in Southern Arizona. His unwavering advocacy and fierce fight ensured that this essential office will remain open, a true testament to his commitment to our rural communities.”
Gerardo Anaya, Mayor of Somerton
“The City of San Luis is thrilled that the Yuma Rural Development Office will remain open, a decision that secures vital resources for so many here in Southern Arizona. For our community, this office is more than just a government building—it’s a lifeline, a crucial hub that our residents and businesses rely on daily for essential services. When it was inexplicably slated for closure as part of the Trump-Musk DOGE lease terminations, it sent a wave of concern through our town. Thankfully, U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego immediately stepped in, advocating tirelessly on our behalf. We are immensely grateful for Senator Gallego’s unwavering commitment to rural Arizona.”
Nieves Riedel, Mayor of San Luis, Arizona
Gallego says keeping the office open is a win for Arizona farmers and families.
“The Rural Development Office is vital to keeping Yuma the Lettuce Capitol of the World. Shutting it down would have been a gut punch to Arizona farmers. DOGE’s plan to close it showed just how out of touch they are with rural communities. Thanks to our intervention and the intervention of local leaders, we stopped DOGE in its tracks and kept the office open.”
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.)