SolSmart
SolSmart is a national program that helps cities, towns, counties and regional organizations become solar energy ready
Sections
Until October 2025, the SolSmart program offered free technical assistance to cities, towns, counties and regional organizations to adopt nationally recognized solar best practices that save staff time and money while maintaining safety.
Due to funding changes, this program is not currently offering designation or technical assistance to new communities. Interested in future support or available resources and templates? You can contact SolSmart directly at their website or reach out to a member of NACo's team at Energy@naco.org.
About
SolSmart helps local governments by providing:
- No-cost technical assistance to expand solar energy use in their jurisdictions; and
- Official recognition for solar achievements, through a SolSmart designation of Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze
By participating in the program, counties will follow national solar best practices that will lead to streamlined and efficient administrative processes, a diversified energy market and lower energy costs. More than 60 counties are participating and have received a SolSmart designation.
NACo is a proud partner of SolSmart, and we look forward to supporting county governments looking to advance solar energy in their jurisdictions.
SolSmart is co-led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office.
For more information, visit Energy-Ready.org.
Advocacy
Open for Solar Business
Counties across the country are now "open for solar business" thanks to the Department of Energy-funded SolSmart program.
Senate begins reauthorization process for State Revolving Fund programs and other water infrastructure programs
On July 13, leaders of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee released the text of its Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA 2026). In addition to reauthorizing major projects through the U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers (Army Corps), the bipartisan legislation would reauthorize the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs.
U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee advances 2026 Water Resources Development Act
On July 14, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee favorably reported H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA) by a bipartisan 66-0 vote. The bill now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives. The WRDA 2026 markup was originally scheduled for July 1 but was rescheduled to July 14 due to changes to the House calendar.
FERC orders regional grid operators to reform rules for large load grid connections
FERC orders regional grid operators to reform rules for large load grid connections
U.S. EPA announces nearly $250 million in FY 2026 Brownfields program grants
On June 24, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the distribution of nearly $250 million in funding for the Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup grant program. The grants flowed to more than 190 state and local government recipients around the country to support redevelopment and renewal projects on brownfield sites.
Senate Agriculture Committee introduces 2026 Farm Bill, following House passage
On June 23, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) introduced the Senate version of the 2026 Farm Bill, the Agricultural Act of 2026.
The EPA announces $2.9 billion for states to support lead pipe replacement
On May 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) announced $2.9 billion in funding to help states support lead service line replacement. The funding will be distributed through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and can be used by communities to identify lead pipes, plan removal projects, and replace lead service lines that deliver drinking water to homes.
2026 NACo Energy Symposium
Join county leaders from across the country in the Texas Panhandle to engage with the most pressing energy issues shaping rural America today. Hear from experts, exchange ideas with peers and gain practical insights into the policies, projects and partnerships driving rural energy development.
Interim Financial Conflict of Interest Policy
NACo upholds an up-to-date, written and enforced Financial and Organizational Conflict of Interest Policy and Management Plan. This document can be accessed here.