FYI: SolSmart is led by The Solar Foundation and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. Launched in 2016, SolSmart is a national designation program designed to recognize communities that have taken key steps to address local barriers to solar energy and foster the growth of mature local solar markets. The program offers technical assistance at no cost to help local governments become “open for solar business.” “Across the nation, SolSmart is helping communities reduce costs, shorten permit waiting times, and expand solar energy installations,” said Larry Sherwood, Administrator of The Solar Foundation and President and CEO of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). “The success of this program shows that local governments have taken the lead in setting ambitious solar energy goals that boost economic development, sustainability, and job growth.”