Rural Energy Academy
NACo’s Rural Energy Academy empowers county leaders with the information and support needed to make energy decisions that work best for their communities. Rising energy demand, technological advances, changes in federal policy and increased attention on rural areas with advantageous wind, solar and land resources has created a meet-the-moment opportunity for rural counties interested in exploring or expanding their energy potential.
In this first phase, NACo’s Rural Energy Academy will focus on helping rural county leaders navigate development and siting of wind and solar energy projects and whether they are right for their residents, economies and natural resources. In partnership with the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), this initiative supports rural counties by providing:
- Energizing Counties Resource Hub - resources tailored to county considerations
- Energy Counties Exchange - a virtual community platform for peer engagement
- Peer Exchange - site visits to rural energy communities
- Technical Assistance - individual and group-based technical assistance to solve a local challenge
To learn how the Rural Energy Academy can support you and your team, complete this contact form to connect with NACo staff and experienced partners from Mana Group Consulting.
Peer Learning
The Rural Energy Academy harnesses the collective experience of rural counties across the nation. In learning from peers with similar siting authorities and experience with different energy technologies or other key defining characteristics, counties will gain energy insights through real-world examples.
2025 Gilliam, Sherman and Wasco Counties, Ore. Peer Exchange
In December 2025, NACo co-hosted the first Rural Energy Academy peer exchange with Gilliam, Wasco and Sherman Counties, Oregon. These agricultural counties on the Columbia Plateau have decades of experience navigating the complexities of siting wind energy projects while reaping local benefits and are applying lessons learned to emerging solar projects and engagement with local data centers. This immersive one-and-a-half-day event blends peer learning, expert insights and tours of energy projects. Key themes explored:
- Siting and permitting wind and solar
- Economics of energy generation and storage
- Data centers and community benefits
- End-of-life use
- Community engagement
Join NACo’s Energy Counties Exchange
NACo’s Energy Counties Exchange is an online community platform that connects county leaders with energy tools, resources and a community of peers focused on addressing the opportunities and challenges of clean energy at a county level. To access this community and all REA programming updates, sign up here:
Coming Soon: Technical Assistance Cohort
In Spring 2026, NACo’s Rural Energy Academy will convene rural leaders for a three-month technical assistance cohort to help counties navigate energy-related challenges based on their community’s unique resources and priorities. In partnership with Mana Group Consulting, this intensive sprint will provide counties with informative small group sessions and one-on-one consultation to achieve action-focused results.
The application period will open in January 2026.
Related Resources & Initiatives
Energizing Counties Resource Hub
NACo empowers counties with the tools and resources needed to consider and facilitate energy projects best suited for local communities. NACo is developing resources and tailored guidance to assist local governments in navigating the opportunities and challenges of different energy industries.
SolSmart
SolSmart is a national program that helps cities, towns, counties and regional organizations become solar energy ready.
Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities
The Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities initiative connects coal communities, supports local leaders and builds capacity in under-resourced communities to advance new approaches and projects for economic diversification.
Project Contacts
Blake Gardiner
Padma Kasthurirangan
Jennifer Jenkins
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Intended Use
This content is intended for educational purposes only. The National Association of Counties (NACo) supports policies and programs that equip county governments with the resources and flexibility needed to serve our residents. NACo does not endorse any particular strategy or approach shared in this resource over another. For official NACo positions, please refer to the American County Platform.