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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

Kentucky

Supporting Recovery-to-Work Pathways in Eastern Kentucky 

July 2, 2026  A strong workforce depends on access to opportunity. For individuals in recovery from substance use disorder, that access can be especially difficult to secure. Using $500,000 in ARC INSPIRE funds, Kentucky River Community Care’s Bridges to Work project helped to close gaps between recovery and long-term employment through coordinated workforce and support…

• INSPIRE

Summer Hunter-Kysor

Program Analyst…

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania ARC Application Workshop

August 06, 2026, 6:00 AM - August 06, 2026, 8:00 AM

The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development and ARC are hosting a virtual workshop to share an overview of ARC and our investment priorities, as well as best practices for non-construction projects. Attendees will receive information to help them successfully navigate ARC funding opportunities,…

• Webinar
• Workshop

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…

• Research Report

• Infrastructure
• Transportation

Pre-Application Webinar for READY Local Governments Training Program

July 09, 2026, 6:00 AM - July 09, 2026, 8:00 AM

ARC staff and training facilitator Strategic Consulting Partners hosted a one-hour pre-application webinar to help prospective applicants learn about the READY Local Governments notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA). This training program will help local government officials and staff better identify, secure, manage and implement federally…

• Webinar

Kentucky

2026 SOAR Summit

October 06, 2026, 8:00 PM - October 08, 2026, 8:00 PM

The 2026 SOAR Summit is returning to Corbin, Kentucky, October 7–9, 2026. The Summit brings together leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, employers, community organizations, elected officials, and changemakers from across Eastern Kentucky and beyond to share ideas, build partnerships, and create momentum for the future of our…

• Conference

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…

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…

North Carolina

Reginald Speight

Reginald Speight serves as the Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development at N.C. Commerce, leading our team experts focused on strengthening rural communities across the state. Prior to joining Commerce, Reginald served as the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development State Director for North Carolina. In that…