Rural
Renaissance
Roadshow

Look Out for 2026 Roadshow Details, Coming Soon!

Join local leaders and energy innovators transforming rural communities.

Rural Renaissance
Roadshow

Groundswell’s annual Rural Renaissance Roadshow brings together rural leaders from across the U.S. to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and bring resources back to hard-working communities. The Roadshow equips attendees to build strong, locally led futures through inspiration, education, and hands-on sessions, including opportunities to learn more about funding and technical support. Stay tuned for announcements about the 2026 Roadshow!

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Sign up for the Roadshow newsletter, and be the first to know about upcoming events, both in-person and virtual! The 2026 Rural Renaissance Roadshow theme, dates, and location will be announced soon!

Attendees

Program Tracks

Sessions

Keynotes

2025 PROGRAM TRACKS

Rural Energy Systems

Rural Food Systems

Rural Water Systems

Rural Housing and Health

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Groundswell’s core values include respect, integrity, excellence, taking care of each other, driving transformative change, and serving people and communities with joy. We believe that service is a privilege, not a chore, and our team works with and for people in the communities we serve to create resilient systems and transformative change.

WEBINARS

LATEST NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS

Invitation from the CEO: A Call to Unity

It’s a tough time to talk about unity, but that word has been on my heart since the beginning of this year. We all know “a house divided cannot stand,” but how can we begin to put the pieces back together again?

You’re Invited!

This fall, rural leaders from across the country will gather in Opelika, Alabama, for an unforgettable experience of connection, collaboration, and community power. The 2025 Rural Renaissance Roadshow, hosted by Groundswell, is more than a conference – it’s a catalyst for action. Join more than 200 local leaders working to design resilient futures rooted in local leadership and lasting impact.

Register Now: Webinar on Community-Driven Resilience Planning

Groundswell is excited to share big news for rural communities in Indiana. As a technical partner with Solar Opportunities Indiana (SOI), Indiana University’s (IU) Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI) is supporting rural towns in Indiana to develop solar and battery storage projects eligible for $16 million in funding from a grant stewarded by SOI.

Director of Auburn University’s Rural Studio, Andrew Freear, to deliver keynote at Rural Renaissance Roadshow

The 2025 Rural Renaissance Roadshow is coming to Opelika, Alabama, November 10-12, bringing together more than 200 local leaders from across the nation focused on rural resilience in energy, food, water, and healthy housing systems. Andrew Freear, Director of Auburn University’s acclaimed Rural Studio, will kick off the conference with an opening keynote address on resilience by design – the theme of this year’s Roadshow.

Rural Renaissance Roadshow May 2025 Newsletter

The Roadshow is Heading to Opelika, AL

Surrounded by the beauty of the forest and Lake Saugahatchee, the Marriott Resort and Spa at Grand National has something for the whole family! Come early or stay late to hit a few balls at the Grand National Golf Course or on the Marriott’s tennis and pickleball courts. Whether you’d rather relax by the pool or enjoy the walking trails, there’s something for everyone at the Marriott Resort & Spa at Grand National.

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