2026 Rural Summit: Infrastructure for All – Connecting North Carolina
March 26 @ 8:00 am - March 27 @ 5:00 pm
The 2026 Rural Summit will be March 26-27 at the Crabtree Marriott in Raleigh. The event is the NC Rural Center’s annual conference. Each year, we think of it as our state’s rural homecoming – a unique opportunity for local leaders and state partners to come together in conversation and celebration.
This year’s conference theme is Infrastructure for All: Connecting North Carolina. We will explore the evolving landscape of infrastructure and its role in shaping resilient, connected communities. In partnership with the Institute for Emerging Issues, 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
NCCETC Executive Director Steve Kalland will be speaking at this event.