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 of wind and solar
Energy generation economics and workforce training
Data centers
Community benefits
Community and developer engagement