Throughout 2021, ARC hosted community conversations, focus groups, and a public survey to gather input and affirm an investment framework to meet Appalachia’s economic needs. Approximately 2,000 participants shared insights on the strengths, challenges, and opportunities facing communities, along with ideas to advance economic prosperity.
This feedback has been transformed into ARC’s new strategic plan, Appalachia Envisioned: A New Era of Opportunity, and will guide ARC’s work to innovate, partner, and invest in the Appalachian Region.
Strategic Investment Goals and Objectives
Building Appalachian Businesses
Strengthen and diversify the Region’s economy through inclusive economic development strategies and investments in entrepreneurship and business development.
Building Appalachia’s Workforce Ecosystem
Expand and strengthen community systems (education, healthcare, housing, childcare, and others) that help Appalachians obtain a job, stay on the job, and advance along a financially sustaining career pathway.
Building Appalachia’s Infrastructure
Ensure that the residents and businesses of Appalachia have access to reliable, affordable, resilient, and energy efficient utilities and infrastructure in order to successfully live and work in the Region.
Building Regional Culture and Tourism
Strengthen Appalachia’s community and economic development potential by preserving and investing in the Region’s local, cultural heritage, and natural assets.
Building Community Leaders and Capacity
Invest in the capacity of local leaders, organizations, and communities to address local challenges by providing technical assistance and support to access resources, engage partners, identify strategies and tactics, and conduct effective planning and project execution.
ARC’s Roles
To successfully implement its strategic mission, ARC commits itself to the following roles.
1. Catalyst
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1. Catalyst
2. Investor
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2. Investor
3. Capacity-Builder
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3. Capacity-Builder
4. Advocate
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4. Advocate
5. Convener
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5. Convener
6. Researcher
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6. Researcher
7. Evaluator
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7. Evaluator
8. Equity Driver
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8. Equity Driver
9. Coach
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9. Coach
10. Navigator
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10. Navigator
Highlighting Our Strategic Goals
