Arkansas Advanced Energy expands Arkansas PACE District to Arkansas County
ARKANSAS COUNTY, ARK. (May 20, 2026) – The Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation (AAEF), administrator of the Arkansas PACE Improvement District, announced today the expansion of the district to include Arkansas County following approval by the Arkansas County Quorum Court and execution of the participation agreement.
“Joining the C-PACE district opens the door for Arkansas County property owners to invest in their facilities, improve efficiency, and keep their operating costs down. It’s a practical step that supports both our agricultural base and our local businesses,” said Judge Eddie Best in Arkansas County.
“We’re excited to welcome Arkansas County to the district as we continue expanding access to C-PACE financing across Arkansas,” said Jonathon Rasburry, Arkansas PACE Administrator for AAEF. “Arkansas County’s participation reflects growing interest in practical economic development tools that help property owners invest in their buildings, strengthen local businesses, and support long-term growth.”
The Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditures (C-PACE) program provides long-term, low-interest financing for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and multifamily property improvements related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and resiliency upgrades. Financing is tied to the property through a voluntary assessment rather than the individual owner, allowing repayment terms of up to 20–30 years and helping many projects achieve positive cash flow from day one.
AAEF serves as the statewide Program Administrator and oversees the revolving loan fund supporting approved projects. In addition to reducing operating costs and modernizing buildings, C-PACE projects support local contractors, create jobs, and encourage private investment in Arkansas communities. Through a subaward from Metroplan under the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program, AAEF received $2.8 million to seed the fund.
AAEF is accepting applications for projects in Pulaski County and Arkansas County. AAEF is also actively working with additional counties to expand the Arkansas PACE Improvement District statewide. There is no cost for counties to join, and participation only requires adoption of a local ordinance. Counties interested in learning more can contact Jonathon Rasburry at jrasburry@arkansasadvancedenergy.com.
The Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation promotes greater public understanding of advanced energy in Arkansas through research, public education programs, and economic and workforce development.