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.
U.S. Department of the Interior issues new NEPA regulations recognizing local governments as cooperating agencies
On February 23, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced a final rule updating the Department’s regulations for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; P.L. 91-190). In a step forward for counties, the final rule reinstates provisions that name local government agencies as cooperating agencies during the NEPA environmental review process.
House Agriculture Committee advances 2026 Farm Bill
On March 5, the House Agriculture Committee voted to advance its version of the 2026 Farm Bill.
Westerman warns of short timeline on permitting reform
Time is running out during an election year to pass permitting reform legisation.
NOAA outlines help for counties navigating drought’s growing risks
In April, the National Integrated Drought Information System will launch the Mid-Atlantic Drought Early Warning System, which will help county officials allocate resources and attention to mitigate drought-related disasters.
Congress increases oversight of Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund
On February 3, Congress passed new funding and authority for an audit and expanded oversight of the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund, which houses federal funds for recovery from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster. The provision was included in the Financial Services-General Government appropriations bill (FSGG), which was one of five included in a minibus package passed by Congress (P.L. 119-75).
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.