Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash is pleased to announce that RainSmart Rebates has been recognized with a 2024 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The award honors innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
RainSmart Rebates is a pilot program encouraging homeowners who live in the George W. Kuhn Drain Drainage District to adopt green stormwater infrastructure practices by offering financial incentives of up to $2,000 for planting trees, installing rain gardens, and using rain barrels on their properties. These practices help reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and create more sustainable communities.
“I am proud of the RainSmart Rebates program because it empowers our residents to take direct action in improving our environment,” said Commissioner Nash. “By offering financial incentives, we can make it easier for homeowners to adopt sustainable practices. This recognition from NACo validates our efforts and inspires us to continue building a greener, more resilient community.”
Launched in January, RainSmart Rebates was an ideal candidate for the NACo Achievement Award due to its replicability, innovation, and positive impact on the environment. By providing financial incentives, the program has successfully motivated residents to engage in sustainable practices. The program's innovative approach not only addresses stormwater management but also fosters community involvement and environmental stewardship.
Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards recognize outstanding programming in 18 categories aligned with the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, libraries, management, information technology, health, civic engagement and more. Launched in 1970, the program is designed to celebrate innovation in county government. Each nominated program is judged on its own merits and not against other applications.
“The Achievement Awards recognize excellence in county government and effective public service,” said NACo President Mary Jo McGuire. “This year’s winners have delivered results for our residents and demonstrated innovative efforts to strengthen our communities.”
For more information about RainSmart Rebates, visit oakgov.com/rainsmart.
For more information about NACo’s Achievement Awards, visit bit.ly/nacoaward.
About the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s office
The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s office is dedicated to protecting public health and safety, preserving natural resources and a healthy environment, maintaining reliable, high-quality service, ensuring the value of investment and contributing to economic prosperity. We set goals that encourage efforts to meet or exceed local, state and federal water quality standards, environmental regulations and safety requirements within our control. To learn more about us, visit oakgov.com/water.
The National Association of Counties
The National Association of Counties strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government. naco.org
