Rural developers struggle to plan, secure financing for, and complete predevelopment activities, including feasibility and market studies, environmental and engineering work, zoning requests, preliminary cost estimates and architectural materials, preparation of funding and loan applications, preparation of projections, surveys, appraisals, and other third-party predevelopment expenses. The inability to undertake predevelopment is a significant barrier to rural housing and economic development projects. In fact, as many as 38% of rural stakeholders surveyed in 2017 identified predevelopment assistance as a key area for future training and investment. HAC provides support to rural housing organizations to address common predevelopment barriers, such as planning, design, and environmental and structural assessments for projects that are proceeding to construction.