2020



The Coal Industry and Funding Support for Education in Appalachia

These two reports examine the relationship between coal activity and funding for elementary and secondary education in Appalachia. The first report is a descriptive analysis examining patterns in funding throughout the Region, and the second used econometric analysis to examine how changes in coal activity have impacted this funding.
Report


A Shift-Share Analysis of the Appalachian Region

This exploratory analysis examines industry-specific employment trends across Appalachia and identifies the industries that may have a locational advantage in each of Appalachia’s 420 counties. Findings may prove useful in devising regional economic development strategies.  Appalachian Region Appalachian States…
Report
Entire Region

An Overview of Coal and the Economy in Appalachia

An Overview of Coal and the Economy in Appalachia, a report commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission, details major trends in coal employment and production in the Appalachian Region over the past two decades. The report examines where employment and production losses have been concentrated within the Region, and also…
Report
Entire Region

Public Transportation in Appalachia – Inventory and Assessment

This research report, commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission, documents the extent to which existing transit services are adequately creating or enhancing access for disadvantaged populations in Appalachia, particularly those in rural Appalachia. The report also documents current best transportation practices across the Region and explores how transportation intersects with…
Report


POWER Initiative Evaluation: Factors and Results of Project Implementation

Since 2015, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has funded more than 240 projects under the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative to empower Appalachian communities to create more vibrant, diverse, and sustainable economies. To understand successes, challenges, and lessons learned through implementation, as well as…
Report
Appalachian Development Highlight System Corridor 8, Near Norton, VA


Access in Appalachia

This study, commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission, analyzes how transportation options, and lack thereof, can impact economic development and access to services across the Region. The report understands transportation accessibility as the ability of people and businesses to access desired and needed activities, services, and goods within existing transportation…
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Entire Region

Research Finds That Appalachia’s Diseases of Despair Mortality Rates Continue at Disproportionately Higher Rates in Comparison to Rest of Nation

For Women, Disease of Despair Mortality Rates  in Appalachia  Over 45 Percent Higher Than Rest of Country  Washington, D.C., November, 19, 2020 —  Appalachian Diseases of Despair, a new report from the Appalachian Regional Commission finds that despite overall declining mortality rates from diseases of despair (overdose, suicide, and…
News


Appalachian Diseases of Despair, 2020

This study analyzed the impact of diseases of despair on mortality within the Appalachian Region, focusing on mortality from three main causes: alcohol, prescription drug, and illegal drug overdose; suicide; and alcoholic liver disease/cirrhosis of the liver. It served as an update to the 2017 ARC report looking at…
Report


ARC Hosts 20th Annual Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP) Featuring Economic Development Research Conducted by Region’s College and University Students

150 Students from 13 Colleges and Universities in 10 Appalachian States to Participate in Online Symposium WASHINGTON, D.C., November 13, 2020 —Today, Friday, November 13 and tomorrow, Saturday, November 14, 2020, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will host 150 students from 13 Appalachian based colleges and universities at the 20th annual Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP) Conference.   ATP is an applied-research academic program…
News


Appalachian Regional Commission Welcomes Brandon McBride As New Executive Director

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 12, 2020 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced that Brandon McBride will join the Agency as ARC’s Executive Director. As the Executive Director, McBride will lead the administrative, programmatic, and fiscal management of ARC to ensure that the organization’s structure, budget, and programs support…
News
Entire Region

Appalachian Regional Commission Develops Free Resources and Tools to Help Regional Nonprofits Meet COVID Related Operational Challenges

More than 100 Regional Nonprofits Receive Dedicated Coaching Through Innovative Cohort Model WASHINGTON, D.C., November 9, 2020—Today, ARC announced the Appalachia Nonprofit Resource Center (ANRC) is now offering expertly curated  resources on financial management, sustainable operations, fundraising, and other tools free of charge. Although the resource directory is primarily responsive to…
News


Appalachian Regional Commission Announces $43.3 Million to Continue Economic Growth in Region’s Coal-Impacted Communities

Emphasis on Recovery-To-Work Efforts and Broadband Development in 12 Appalachian States WASHINGTON, D.C., October 14, 2020—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced $43.3 million across 51 projects to support economic diversification in the Region’s coal-impacted communities. More than half of these investments will support recovery-to-work efforts or strengthen…
News