2026 Rural Summit

Presented by NC Rural Center

Join us at the Rural Summit, which brings together rural champions every spring to learn about our rural communities and explore what we can do to make a difference. This year’s summit will focus on infrastructure – needs, successes, and the future. The summit offers a unique opportunity for local, state, and national leaders to come together in conversation and celebration to engage in a thoughtful, intentional dialogue about how to move North Carolina forward.

The 2026 Rural Summit will focus on three key areas:

  • Traditional Infrastructure: Water, wastewater, land use planning and aging infrastructure
  • Infrastructure for the Future: Energy grid modernization and broadband expansion
  • Infrastructure for Economic Development: Housing development, revitalization of downtown areas and the role of artificial intelligence

Ready to take the next step?

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