2021



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


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 Supplements…
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…
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 all the successes and highlights what is…
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
Entire Region

ARC Announces Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellows For 2021-2022

 Class Includes 40 Fellows Representing Variety of Disciplines and Backgrounds from 13 Appalachian States    WASHINGTON, D.C., September 28, 2021—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced 40 Fellows who will be participating in the third class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute. The class represents Appalachia’s 13 states and includes professionals who live…
News
Entire Region

ARC Announces Nearly $46.4 Million to Continue Economic Transformation in Region’s Coal-Impacted Communities 

ARC’s largest POWER grant package to date will leverage entrepreneurship, workforce development, and infrastructure to bolster re-employment opportunities, create jobs in existing or new industries, and attract new sources of investment.  MATEWAN, WV, September 16, 2021: Today, during a virtual event co-hosted by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Interagency Working Group…
News


POWER Initiative Evaluation: The POWER of Change

Stories of Results for Individuals, Businesses, and Communities ARC has worked with Chamberlin/Dunn (C/D) as a third-party evaluator since Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 to understand the successes and challenges POWER grantees have experienced in the implementation of their grants, as well as early impacts of the projects. In FY21, the…
Report