In over 30 states, RDOs collaborate with their state departments of transportation to conduct outreach to local governments about transportation priorities and to assist with statewide and rural planning. Many RDOs also serve as metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) that complete short- and long-range plans in urbanized areas.
RDOs may also assist with broadband planning, seeking funding, and deployment; rural water and wastewater issues; and energy, such as helping local partners to plan and implement renewable energy projects.
From Monday, June 29 through Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the National Association of Counties’ Rural Energy Academy (REA) hosted a peer exchange in Grundy County, Illinois, bringing together county leaders from across the country for site visits and briefings centered on two pressing energy technologies facing rural communities today: nuclear power and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
The annual Impact Awards program honors NADO members for their creative approaches to advancing regional economic development and improving quality of life.
East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (ECWRPC) is using a creative method to plan with small communities in their region. SPARC, Strategic Planning And Revitalization for Communities, is a small community technical assistance program that combines visioning workshops, design consultation, and grant assistance to help communities move projects forward.
On April 17, 2026, NADO’s Rural Energy Academy (REA) team hosted a post-conference session at the University of Texas JJ Pickle Research Campus following the Southwest Regional Economic Development Association (SWREDA) conference in Austin, TX. Economic Development District (EDD) leaders from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas spent the afternoon hearing from researchers, practitioners, and community leaders on pressing energy topics facing rural communities today before embarking on a tour of the UT Energy Institute data center.
The Business of Nuclear: Communities & Industry Working Together NADO Attends 2026 Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) Forum In April 2026, Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) hosted their fifth
USDA funding can help your region strengthen its profile for biofuel and biomanufacturing development.
Through the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG), communities and economic development organizations can access funding to help offset the cost of a BDO Zone Rating.
Questions? Contact Carrie Kissel.