Every year, ARC investments support hundreds of economic development projects across the Appalachian Region. Projects align with one of five goals outlined in our strategic plan, which was developed alongside our state partners and based on input from nearly 2,000 Appalachians. The resulting investments ultimately help build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia.
Building Appalachian Businesses
Building Appalachia’s Workforce Ecosystem
Expanding and strengthening community systems, including education, healthcare, housing, and childcare, will help Appalachians obtain a job, stay on the job, and advance their careers.
Building Appalachia’s Infrastructure
Access to reliable and affordable utilities and infrastructure ensure that Appalachia’s residents can successfully live and work in the region.
Building Regional Culture and Tourism
Preserving and investing in the region’s local, cultural heritage, and natural assets will strengthen Appalachia’s economic potential.
Building Community Leaders and Capacity
Investing in the capacity of local leaders, organizations, and communities to address local challenges will strengthen Appalachia’s economic prosperity.
Rooted in Community Conversations
ARC released its five-year strategic plan, Appalachia Envisioned: A New Era of Opportunity, in October 2021. Through six community conversations, 16 focus groups, and more than 1,200 public survey responses, community members affirmed the five core investment priorities ARC established in 2015. Those focus areas will continue through 2026.
Additionally, Appalachian communities want ARC to dig deeper into how we’re investing in economic development efforts – particularly projects that promote resilience, innovation, sustainability, and equity in Appalachia.
Community feedback also guided ARC to focus on job creation through home-grown entrepreneurial ideas and existing industries, expand our workforce investments to include more employee supports, increasing access to infrastructure and broadband, and helping communities better build off regional culture and strengthen their capacity to develop and execute economic visions.
Appalachia Envisioned Roadshow
From 2022-2023, ARC hit the road to highlight our new strategic goals, and how Appalachia’s 13 states are working to achieve them, in a five-part virtual series titled Appalachia Envisioned Roadshow.
At each stop, we heard stories from Appalachian community members, economic development experts, and governors on their successes, challenges and outlooks for the region.
Investments in Action
