Our Work In North Carolina Investment Priorities In Fiscal Year 2023, ARC and the North Carolina Department of Commerce partnered on the following investments and projects. Investment Snapshot Counties in Appalachia (31 out of 100 counties): Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Davie, Forsyth, Graham,…

Governor Roy Cooper was sworn in as North Carolina’s 75th Governor in January 2017 with three decades in public service protecting families, keeping communities safe, and working to create jobs and improve schools. As the son of a school teacher, education and workforce development are among his top priorities. With…

Jim McCleskey’s roots in North Carolina’s Appalachian region go back to colonial days. He was appointed in 1999 as Director of the North Carolina Washington Office and as ARC Alternate by Governor James B. Hunt Jr. and was reappointed by Governors Michael F. Easley in 2001, Beverly Eaves Perdue in…

The fund provides flexible loans to small businesses for both immediate economic needs and long-term rebuilding efforts in the Tar Heel State. Washington, D.C., November 8, 2024 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded $3.5 million to Mountain BizWorks to bolster its new fund supporting…

Asheville, North Carolina serves as a successful model for economic revitalization in Appalachia. Tourists from far and wide seek out its rich cultural history, outdoor recreation opportunities, culinary scene and much more. As a result, entrepreneurship and business growth has helped diversify its economy and create numerous employment opportunities for…

ARC’s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) is a funding opportunity driving large-scale, regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative projects. Launched in 2022 using funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, ARISE is strengthening Appalachian businesses and industries, and supporting the development of new opportunities across…

BIL funds are allowing the Western North Carolina farmers market construct a training facility that will serve 1,100 food producers.

ARC POWER partners are using millions to make financial resources accessible for coal-impacted communities.

Building Appalachia’s infrastructure has been an ARC investment priority for 58 years, especially the development and maintenance of basic infrastructure systems, highway and utility access, expanding broadband, and developing sites to attract new businesses. ARC’s Area Development Program invested $92.1 million in community infrastructure Fiscal Year 2022. When thinking…

For Philip Cooper, helping his community recover from substance use disorder is a personal, lifelong commitment.

ARC partners are expanding outdoor gear manufacturing sector.