Our Work in Kentucky In partnership with the Kentucky Department for Local Government, ARC is supporting 49 projects in Kentucky totaling $23.6 million in fiscal year (FY) 2025. These investments have been matched by $20.9 million. They are also educating and training 1,863 students and workers, serving 7,887 households/businesses with…

Andy Beshear was sworn in as Kentucky’s Governor in December 2019. A native of north-central Kentucky, Governor Beshear graduated from Vanderbilt University, and earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was a Dean’s Scholar. His early career began while he was…

Matt Sawyers serves as commissioner for the Kentucky Department of Local Government. Previously, Sawyers served as policy advisory in Governor Beshear’s Office of the General Counsel. He was also the executive director of the National Association of Shell Marketers, which represents companies across the United States with supply agreements…

July 2, 2026  A strong workforce depends on access to opportunity. For individuals in recovery from substance use disorder, that access can be especially difficult to secure. Using $500,000 in ARC INSPIRE funds, Kentucky River Community Care’s Bridges to Work project helped to close gaps between recovery and long-term employment through coordinated workforce and support…

Registration is now open for Kentucky’s 2025 Governor’s Local Issues Conference (GLIC). This multi-day event will be held at the Galt House, located at 140 N Fourth Street, Louisville, KY from August 13-15, 2025. This conference will give attendees the opportunity to hear from organizations that…

In 2024, ARC awarded $10M in POWER funds to healthcare workforce development projects in coal-impacted communities across the Appalachian Region.

September 13, 2024 When it comes to addressing substance use disorder (SUD) and helping Appalachians recover, removing employment barriers is a crucial key to success. That’s why Kentucky River District Health Department is using ARC support to expand a proven recovery-to-work program and create…

July 9, 2024 Accelerator participants gather in Washington, D.C., in late 2023. July 9, 2024 – Improving access to high-speed internet is vital for strengthening Appalachia’s economy. Fast, reliable broadband supports quality health care, education, tourism, business growth and so much more. Although Appalachians’ broadband access…

First round of new funding is made available through ARC’s READY LDDs [local development districts] initiative, with additional grantees to be announced in June of 2023. PINEVILLE, KY., May 11, 2023–Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced nearly $500,000 in new funding to the following Appalachian Kentucky area…

Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation is hosting this forum for local government, nonprofits, and community partners working in these Appalachian Kentucky counties: Bell, Clay, Harlan, Knox, Leslie, Letcher, Perry, Whitley, and adjacent counties. The event will build collaboration, capacity, and relationships by connecting the…