NACo’s Rural Energy Academy empowers county leaders with information and support 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 2026, NACo’s Rural Energy Academy will focus on helping rural county leaders navigate development and siting of wind, solar, battery storage and data centers 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​

Commute Friendly NC (CFNC), an employer recognition initiative led by Central Pines Regional Council (CPRC), is proud to welcome Alta Planning + Design and Toole Design Group as its newest recognized employers. CFNC currently includes more than 30 businesses and organizations across the greater Triangle region that are committed to reducing commute-related challenges while offering meaningful benefits that support employee well-being, sustainability, and workforce retention.

Alta Planning + Design, based in Durham, is a consulting firm dedicated to creating active communities where bicycling and walking are safe, healthy, and accessible daily activities. Through CFNC, Alta strengthens its commitment to sustainable commuting by offering employees up to $900 annually to offset transit, bikeshare, and commute-related costs, along with flexible hybrid work options and bike-to-work support.

Raleigh-based Toole Design Group, the nation’s leading planning, engineering, and landscape architecture firm focused on active and multimodal transportation, also joins the CFNC network. Toole Design provides employees with a $125 monthly transit stipend and a human-powered commute incentive to encourage bicycling to work. As part of their participation in CFNC, Toole Design staff engaged in a customized commuter coaching session, followed by a guided bicycle tour of downtown Raleigh and a collaborative discussion on expanding bicycle infrastructure—demonstrating how CFNC services translate into real-world engagement and impact.

Triangle-area employers interested in offering commuter benefits and receiving CFNC recognition are encouraged to contact Andres Otero, Program Coordinator, at aotero@centralpinesnc.gov to schedule a virtual consultation and learn more about participating in Commute Friendly NC.