Registration Open for the 2026 Rural Renaissance Roadshow
Focus: Data Center Impacts, Community Benefit Agreement Opportunities
Early Bird Registration Opens July 16 for Groundswell’s Flagship National Convening Exploring AI Infrastructure, Energy, Water, Land, and Community-Led Economic Development
WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 16, 2026 — As artificial intelligence accelerates demand for new data centers and supporting infrastructure across the United States, rural communities, small towns, and Sovereign Tribal Nations are increasingly at the center of conversations about energy, water, land use, affordability, and economic opportunity.
To inform and equip communities navigate these rapidly evolving issues, Groundswell today announced the opening of Early Bird Registration for its 2026 Rural Renaissance Roadshow, taking place November 4–6, 2026, at the Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur, Alabama. The Roadshow will convene leaders from government, Tribal Nations, utilities, technology companies, agriculture, philanthropy, academia, nonprofits, and community organizations to explore practical, community-centered solutions under this year’s theme:
At the Data Center Crossroads
Land • Energy • Water • The Future of Rural Power
WHY THIS MATTERS
Communities across the country are confronting questions that will shape their future for decades.
• How do we maintain local control – whether we say “yes” or “no!”?
• How do communities prepare for growing electricity demand?
• How do they protect water resources while supporting economic growth?
• How can local governments and Tribal Nations maintain local control over development?
• How can investment create lasting prosperity instead of short-term opportunity?
The Rural Renaissance Roadshow convenes, connects, and equips the leaders, practitioners, and decision-makers working to answer those questions together.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The 2026 program will feature four integrated conference tracks:
• Energy
• Water
• Land
• Economic Development
Each track explores four shared themes that connect the entire conference:
• Affordability
• Infrastructure
• Local Control
• Conservation & Stewardship
Attendees can expect conversations addressing topics such as:
• Organizing and Negotiating Community Benefit Agreements
• Data Center Impacts: Energy, Land, & Water
• Public Power for Energy Affordability
• Preserving Working Lands for Agriculture
• Community Resilience as a Ministry
• Rural Workforce Development
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Throughout the Roadshow campaign, media will have opportunities to cover:
• Executive interviews
• National keynote speaker announcements
• Track Convener announcements
• Rural Power Award recipients
• Thought leadership from Groundswell executives
• Podcast interviews
• Community resilience stories
• Event programming announcements
• Live Roadshow coverage in November
• Post-event impact reporting
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION
Early Bird Registration is available through August 20, 2026.
Registration includes access to:
• National keynote sessions
• Educational breakout sessions
• Interactive workshops
• Networking opportunities
• Rural Power Awards
• Congress for Rural Resilience programming
Official conference hotel accommodations are available through the DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront at a discounted conference rate.
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About Groundswell
Groundswell builds community power to support local resilience and cut electricity bills in half for our neighbors who need savings the most. We deliver community solar, resilience hubs, and residential energy efficiency to preserve affordable housing, strengthen the grid, and support local economic development. Founded in 2009, Groundswell joyfully serves rural, small-town, and urban communities in the Heartland, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast.