2026



The Appalachian Region: A Data Overview from the 2020-2024 American Community Survey

This study examines state- and county-level data for the 13 Appalachian states from the 2020-2024 American Community Survey (ACS) and from U.S. Census Bureau population estimates on topics including population, age, housing occupancy and tenure, education, labor force, employment and unemployment, income and poverty, health insurance coverage, disability status,…
Report


Rural-Urban County Types in Appalachia

This map shows five rural-urban county types for the 423 counties in the Appalachian Region. These designations are a condensed version of the USDA Economic Research Service 2024 Urban Influence Codes.
Map


Economic Development Impacts of Completed ADHS Corridors

For decades, the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) has been viewed as one of the most significant long-term infrastructure investments supporting economic opportunity in Appalachia. As more than 92 percent of the system has been completed, open to traffic or under construction as of 2026, the question is no…
Report


ARC Seeks Local Government Applicants for Training Program, Access to Funding

Applications are due July 31 for READY Local Governments, which offers training to help local government officials better identify, secure, manage and implement economic development projects. WASHINGTON, D.C., June 25, 2026 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) issued a notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA) for…
News


40 Fellows Graduate from the Appalachian Leadership Institute 

Following completion of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s eight-month economic development training program, graduates bring new skills and vision to their work strengthening Appalachian communities.   CHARLESTON, WV, June 11, 2026—The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is proud to announce that 40 fellows from Appalachia’s 13 states graduated from its Appalachian…
News


Evaluation of ARC’s Health Grants

This report presents findings from an evaluation of ARC’s health grants that closed between fiscal years 2017 and 2021. Overall, the 96 grants included in the evaluation led to improvements for over 300,000 patients, almost 4,000 students and over 2,500 workers or trainees. Grant-funded projects supported over 300 organizations…
Report


Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Growth

We hope you’ll join us in Starkville, Mississippi, for our 2026 Annual Conference, Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Growth! Co-hosted by States’ Co-Chair Gov. Tate Reeves and the State of Mississippi, the conference will be June 2-4, 2026. Check out our registration page to learn more about the conference,…
Event