State Plans and Strategies

ARC’s current Strategic Plan is a blueprint for investments at the Regional level. Each of Appalachia’s 13 states develops a companion four-year plan and annual strategy statement outlining its funding priorities for ARC projects. The first step in applying for any ARC support is to review both the…

Research, Evaluations, Maps and Data

ARC’s economists, mapping specialists, evaluators and data analysts regularly publish research reports and maps, as well as maintain an updated county-specific searchable data report tool. Research reports address critical socioeconomic issues impacting the Appalachian Region, while evaluations assess ARC’s own investment portfolios. ARC’s research and data helps policymakers and…

Budget, Performance and Policy

ARC’s work complies with the Appalachian Regional Development Act (ARDA) and the ARC Code.   As a direct recipient of Congressionally appropriated funds, ARC files a budget proposal and Performance and Accountability Report (PAR) with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) each year. Explore the documents that…

Newsroom

Stay current on all ARC announcements, research releases, legislative updates and other announcements by exploring our newsroom and signing up for In the Region, ARC’s weekly newsletter.

State Partners

ARC partners with 13 Appalachian states to fulfill our mission. Each Appalachian governor selects an appointee to represent his or her state’s interests and priorities to the Appalachian Regional Commission. These representatives, referred to as state alternates, are liaisons between the governors and ARC leadership. Every state also…

Fact Sheets and Infographics

ARC uses data from its research and evaluation reports to create fact sheets, infographics and other visuals for regional partners. This includes annual snapshots of ARC’s strategic investments in the region and data visualizations of original research.

Entire Region

High-Poverty Counties in Appalachia, 1960 and 2019-2023

This map displays high-poverty counties in the Appalachian Region using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. ARC defines high-poverty counties as those with poverty rates that are at least 1.5 times (150% or more) the national average.

• Poverty

• Map

South Carolina

Barry Butler

South Carolina Department of CommerceDivision of Business Incentives and Community Development1201 Main Street, Suite 1600Columbia, South Carolina 29201…

Entire Region

ARC Announces Appalachian Leadership Institute Class of 2025-2026 

New class of ARC’s economic development training program comprises 40 fellows from across all 13 Appalachian states.  WASHINGTON, D.C., October 23, 2025—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced the 40 fellows selected for the 2025-2026 class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI), a training opportunity that…

Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellows

Class of 2025-2026 Meet the current Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellows.  The current class of 40 fellows represent a spectrum of sectors and experiences from across Appalachia’s 13 states. Each fellow brings a unique perspective on the region’s varied economic developmental challenges, opportunities and strategies. Together, they will lead Appalachia’s future.

ARC Accepting Applications for Summer Study Programs in Entrepreneurship and STEM for Region’s Middle and High School Students  

Applications are due December 3rd for Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy and Appalachian STEM Academy.   WASHINGTON, D.C., October 16, 2025 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) opened applications for two summer study opportunities: the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge. Both programs, planned for summer…

Pathways User Resources

All ARC grant activities are conducted through Pathways, ARC’s grant management system. Use the opportunities and resources below to learn how to successfully navigate this platform. Please also continue to check this page for updated resources that will coincide with the expanded use and functionality of Pathways. Opportunity Pathways Office…

ARC Awards $11 Million to 32 Projects Supporting Appalachians in Recovery from Substance Use Disorder 

Through ARC’s INSPIRE Initiative, the award package will expand support services to help Appalachians in recovery enter and re-enter the workforce in nine Appalachian states.   WASHINGTON, DC, September 23, 2025—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded $11 million to 32 projects through its Investments Supporting Partnerships in…

Tennessee

Tennessee ARC Pre-Application Webinar 

September 24, 2025, 8:00 PM - September 15, 2025, 7:00 AM

The State of Tennessee Appalachian Regional Commission Pre-Application Workshop covers an overview of the ARC region of Tennessee, TN ARC Regional Plan, ARC Funding, Performance Measures, Match Funding Requirements, and common issues on ARC Applications.  If interested, please visit the TN Department of Economic and Community…

• Webinar
• Workshop

• Economic Development

Policies and Procedures Checklist

This document is intended to provide applicants and grantees with an overview of required policies and procedures that funding recipients (both grantees and subrecipients) must have in place prior to receiving ARC funds. It is the responsibility of all prospective grant recipients to develop policies and procedures in accordance with the…