Calendar Year



Appalachian Regional Commission Strategic Plan: Synthesis Report

In the Spring of 2021, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), in partnership with Maher & Maher, embarked on a series of stakeholder engagement activities. The purpose was to gather input regarding the strengths, challenges, and opportunities facing the Region, along with ideas for strategies and solutions to advance economic prosperity.
Report


The Coal Industry and Funding Support for Education in Appalachia

These two reports examine the relationship between coal activity and funding for elementary and secondary education in Appalachia. The first report is a descriptive analysis examining patterns in funding throughout the Region, and the second used econometric analysis to examine how changes in coal activity have impacted this funding.
Report


Economic Structure in Appalachia’s Metro Regions

This research identifies industries that might be further developed to strengthen industrial clusters—and support overall economic development—in each of the micro- and metropolitan areas wholly within the Appalachian Region. Overview Regional Overview and Methodology Supplements How to Use Findings from…
Report


A Shift-Share Analysis of the Appalachian Region

This exploratory analysis examines industry-specific employment trends across Appalachia and identifies the industries that may have a locational advantage in each of Appalachia’s 420 counties. Findings may prove useful in devising regional economic development strategies.  Appalachian Region ARC Overview Appalachian States…
Report


An Economic Analysis of Appalachian Power Industry Ecosystems

This report explores the implications of the changing power industry and the variations in impact across the Appalachian Region. Similar to past work examining the coal industry ecosystem, three measures are examined at the county level throughout Appalachia: dependence, impact, and risk.  Full Report An…
Report
Entire Region

ARC Awards $5.5 Million to 17 Projects that Provide Training and Work Support to Individuals Recovering from Substance Use Disorder

The second round of 2021 INvestments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) grants expand on collaborative recovery-to-work efforts to help Appalachian communities, businesses, and individuals succeed.WASHINGTON, D.C., November 16, 2021—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded $5.5 million to 17 projects through…
News


Subregions in Appalachia

This map shows the Appalachian Region divided into five subregions: northern, north central, central, south central, and southern Appalachia.
Map


Small Communities, Big Solutions Conference

Each year, the Alliance for Economic Development of Southern West Virginia, the West Virginia Community Development Hub and Coalfield Development team up to shine a spotlight on West Virginia, by hosting the Small Communities, Big Solutions Conference. This event showcases…
Event


Where to Start? Webinar for Energy Communities Starting a Transformation

Communities are often surprised when a power plant or mine announces it will close. Starting to plan as early as possible for the impacts of such a closure is critical to achieving more successful outcomes. This webinar will provide guidance on getting started, including a discussion with community leaders who…
Event


2021 SOAR Summit

The SOAR Summit is an annual event held in Eastern Kentucky. It’s the only event focusing specifically on the issues and activities of our region. Drawing more than 1,000 attendees, participants include local residents and businesses, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and other change agents across Appalachia. See the agenda…
Event
Entire Region

ARC Unveils New 2022-2026 Strategic Plan During Annual Conference in St. Paul, Virginia

Incorporating feedback from over 1,800 Appalachian stakeholders, the new strategic plan provides a roadmap for accelerating economic growth in the Region.     St. Paul, Va., October 6, 2021—Today, during the opening plenary of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)’s annual conference in St. Paul, Virginia, Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin provided a preview of ARC’s new 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. The strategic plan, Appalachia Envisioned: A New Era of Opportunity, is…
News