ARC’s Local Access Road projects link communities, businesses and residents to the Appalachian Development Highway System and other key parts of the region’s transportation network.| Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) is a network of 33 distinct highway corridors totaling 3,090 miles and connecting the 13 Appalachian states with the Interstate Highway System and a wide-range of domestic and global markets. As of February 2018, these corridors and termini are a part of the ADHS. Corridor A (Georgia, North Carolina) […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
ARC uses Congressionally appropriated funds to invest in Appalachia’s economic and community development through grants. As part of our unique federal-state partnership, ARC’s grant application process begins at the state government level. All ARC grants align with the investment priorities outlined in our current Strategic Plan and reflect state plans and strategies. ARC also issues […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Letters of intent are due September 12, 2025 for funding through ARC’s POWER Initiative, which creates new opportunities in Appalachian coal communities. Washington, D.C., August 12, 2025—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) issued a notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA) for its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. POWER offers federal […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative targets federal resources to expand economic opportunities for coal communities by creating high-quality, in-demand jobs, attracting new sources of private investment, and providing comprehensive workforce services and skills training.| Appalachian Regional Commission
Join us August 21 at 10:00 a.m. for ARC’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative pre-application webinar. The webinar will provide applicants the opportunity to learn more about the POWER funding opportunity, hear about updates to the fiscal year 2025 notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA), and participate in a Q&A […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
The journey through justice system involvement, recovery from substance use disorder and workforce re-entry is longer and more complex than most realize. Investing in partners, such as The REACH Initiative in Charleston, West Virginia, that make this process easier for Appalachians is a key part of our Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems Initiative (INSPIRE). […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
When it comes to addressing substance use disorder (SUD) and helping Appalachians recover, removing employment barriers is a crucial key to success. That’s why Kentucky River District Health Department is using ARC support to expand a proven recovery-to-work program and create opportunities in even more communities. The HUB, which launched in Lee County in 2022, […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Class of 2024-2025 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.| Appalachian Regional Commission
Following completion of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s nine-month economic development training program, graduates bring new skills and vision to their work strengthening Appalachian communities. WASHINGTON, DC, July 23, 2025—The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is proud to announce that 38 fellows from Appalachia’s 13 states graduated from the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI). The ALI training program […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
ARC formed the Substance Use Disorder Advisory Council in May 2019 to offer recommendations for the Commission to consider as part of a strategic plan to build and strengthen recovery ecosystems throughout the Appalachian region. The Council is a volunteer advisory group made up of 23 leaders from law enforcement, recovery services, health, economic development, […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
This study analyzes 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 includes data through 2022 and serves as an update to previous ARC reports exploring the same issues.| Appalachian Regional Commission
For Philip Cooper, helping his community recover from substance use disorder is a personal, lifelong commitment.| Appalachian Regional Commission
Region sees decreased unemployment, increased labor force participation and higher homeownership, but still lags behind the U.S. in population and income growth, as well as post-secondary education attainment. Washington, D.C., June 26, 2025 – New data released today by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in the 15th annual update of The Appalachian Region: A Data […] The post ARC Releases New Data Revealing Appalachia’s Economic Improvements, Key Vulnerabilities Compared to the...| Appalachian Regional Commission
Awards and training are offered through READY Appalachia, an initiative providing training and funding access to help participants build capacity to address economic needs in all 13 Appalachian states. WASHINGTON, D.C., June 5, 2025—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded capacity-building grants to 59 local governments and selected 75 nonprofits for no-cost capacity building training. […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Alabama| Appalachian Regional Commission
Kentucky| Appalachian Regional Commission
Registration is now open for Kentucky’s 2025 Governor’s Local Issues Conference (GLIC). This multi-day event will be held at the Galt House, located at 140 N Fourth Street, Louisville, KY from August 13-15, 2025. This conference will give attendees the opportunity to hear from organizations that focus their efforts on supporting Kentucky communities. Hear from […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), in conjunction with ARC, will be hosting the FY 2026 ARC Program Grant Application Workshop on Thursday, July 31, 2025. This will be an “in-person” workshop that will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at approximately 4:00 p.m. The workshop will be held at the Alabama […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Appalachian Regional Commission The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development partnership entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia. Research and Resources| Appalachian Regional Commission
For decades, the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS), a 3,090-mile network of highways linking Appalachia to national interstates, has generated economic development across Appalachia. ADHS’s 33 corridors provide access to regional and national markets, contributing to growth opportunities and improved access in Appalachia. Since its inception in 1965, the ADHS generally received specifically dedicated funding […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
ARC’s POWER Initiative targets federal resources to projects that help coal communities expand local and regional economies.| Appalachian Regional Commission
Public, private and nonprofit leaders throughout Appalachia are encouraged to apply for ARC’s free eight-month training program. WASHINGTON, D.C., May 1, 2025 —Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) opened applications for the seventh class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI), an eight-month leadership development training opportunity with a focus on economic development in Appalachia. Anyone […] The post ARC Seeking Applicants for Leadership Development Program Fo...| Appalachian Regional Commission
This report analyzes coal production and employment data from 2000 to 2023, with a focus on how trends in Appalachia compare to those elsewhere in the country. Variation within the region is also examined. For Appalachia as a whole, despite some slight increases over the past few years, coal production and employment levels are far […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Including our weekly newsletter, In the Region!| Appalachian Regional Commission
The new project will advance tourism infrastructure, job training, and business growth across 22 Parkway-adjacent counties in Appalachian North Carolina and Virginia. Washington, D.C., April 24, 2025 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded $5,130,000 to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation to improve and promote tourism to boost the economies of 22 Parkway-adjacent counties […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
ARC’s Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) awarded $11.5 million to 39 grantees working to address Appalachia’s substance use disorder crisis. Each project makes a unique contribution to local, state and regional recovery ecosystems, which are complex, critically needed webs connecting peer support, health and human services, faith communities, criminal justice, housing, education, transportation […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
This report includes 14 recommendations developed by ARC’s Substance Abuse Advisory Council to support a robust recovery ecosystem in Appalachia.| Appalachian Regional Commission
The nation’s substance use disorder crisis disproportionately impacts Appalachia, where in 2022 overdose-related mortality rates for people ages 25–54 was 64 percent higher than the rest of the country. Appalachians struggling with substance use disorder encounter additional barriers including transportation, housing, access to care, education and steady employment. These challenges make it even harder for […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
The all-inclusive, nine-month program runs from October-July.| Appalachian Regional Commission
State Program Managers| Appalachian Regional Commission
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 ARC Strategic Plan and corresponding plans and […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
After an application is approved for funding, grantees work with ARC staff to successfully manage and implement their project. Post-award requirements involve the timely submission of reports and other documents that review key project activities and facilitate financial exchange. The forms, manuals and other resources necessary for successful management of ARC-funded non-construction projects are below. […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
ARC uses Congressionally appropriated funds to invest in Appalachia’s economic development through grants. As part of our unique federal-state partnership, ARC grant applications begin at the state level with ARC state program managers. All applications must align with ARC’s current strategic investment priorities, as well as state plans and strategies. As you work with your […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Alabama| Appalachian Regional Commission
ARC hosts academies and institutes in STEM and entrepreneurship education, applied research, and community leadership. Through these opportunities, participants build networks, skills, and an enduring commitment to Appalachia’s future.| Appalachian Regional Commission
Like many coal communities in Appalachia, Eastern Kentucky is tackling economic transition by diversifying its economic bases and creating new opportunities. Emerging industries such as information technology (IT), computer science and engineering have shown promise, but a shortage of IT talent was keeping the region from reaching its full potential. …| Appalachian Regional Commission
Appalachia is a region with unique downtown communities, a vibrant cultural and arts tradition, and plentiful natural spaces. The preservation and promotion of these assets fuels economic development and supports quality of life for residents. ARC investments help communities revitalize historic buildings, plan around local arts and cultural heritage, utilize outdoor spaces for recreation and […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Economic vitality starts with investing in people, especially the education, training and community systems they need to succeed. A strong workforce not only has the soft and technical skills needed by local industry, but also has access to fundamental supports that keep workers on the job. Reliable transportation, appropriate healthcare, safe and affordable housing, quality childcare, and recovery services for substance use disorder are all required to maintain […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Residents and businesses need access to reliable and affordable utilities and infrastructure to successfully live and work in Appalachia. Infrastructure, including safe, connected and strategic transportation systems, plays a critical role in Appalachia’s capacity to compete in the global economy. ARC grants in infrastructure help communities leverage additional state and federal resources to fund projects […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
In 2024, ARC awarded $10M in POWER funds to healthcare workforce development projects in coal-impacted communities across the Appalachian Region.| Appalachian Regional Commission
In 2024, ARC awarded more than $5 million in POWER funds to three advanced manufacturing projects that will benefit coal-impacted communities and workers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia.| Appalachian Regional Commission
Governor Moore will work alongside ARC’s Federal Co-Chair and fellow Appalachian governors to boost economic and community growth across the 13-state region. WASHINGTON, D.C., February 10, 2025—Maryland Governor Wes Moore has been elected by his fellow Appalachian governors to serve as the 2025 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) States’ Co-Chair. As part of ARC’s federal-state-local partnership […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
ARC uses congressionally appropriated funds to invest in the region’s economic and community development through grants. Projects must take place within the Appalachian Region as defined by the Appalachian Regional Development Act (ARDA) of 1965. For projects with a geographic scope extending beyond ARC’s footprint, only activities within the region would be eligible for funding. […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Governor Wes Moore was sworn in as the 63rd Governor of Maryland on January 18, 2023. He is Maryland’s first Black governor in the state’s 246-year history, and is just the third African American elected Governor in the history of the United States. Born in Takoma Park, Maryland, on Oct. 15, 1978, to Joy and […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Appalachian Region FY 2024 Investments| Appalachian Regional Commission
ARC is led by a commission composed of governors from each of the region’s 13 states and a Federal Co-Chair who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Each year, the governors select a States’ Co-Chair to lead the commission in partnership with the Federal Co-Chair. ARC State Partners and Staff Each […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Collaborative and inclusive economic development approaches are essential to building Appalachian businesses and industries, which in turn create opportunities for residents. ARC investments help our partners develop economic strategies that prioritize the growth of existing industries and home-grown entrepreneurial ideas that capitalize on communities’ unique assets. ARC grants also provide the tailored technical assistance, access to capital and capacity building resou...| Appalachian Regional Commission
The Investments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) is an initiative addressing the substance use disorder (SUD) crisis by creating or expanding a recovery ecosystem that will lead to workforce entry or re-entry. Successful projects will support the post-treatment to employment continuum, which could include investments in healthcare networks that support substance abuse recovery professionals, recovery-focused job training […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
ARC's INSPIRE Initiative addresses the substance use disorder (SUD) crisis in Appalachia by creating or expanding recovery ecosystems that will lead to workforce entry or re-entry.| Appalachian Regional Commission
Applications are due February 28 for ARC’s READY Nonprofits, which provides no-cost training and funding to help Appalachian nonprofits strengthen their operations, programming and fundraising. Washington, D.C., January 15, 2025 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) issued a notice of solicitations of applications (NOSA) for the second round of READY Nonprofits— a seven-week, capacity […] The post ARC Seeks Nonprofit Applicants for Capacity Building Opportunity appeared f...| Appalachian Regional Commission
Applications are due March 10, 2025 for funding through ARC’s INSPIRE Initiative, which seeks to help Appalachians in recovery enter and reenter the workforce. Washington, D.C., January 13, 2025—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) issued a notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA) for its Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative. INSPIRE supports projects […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
The awards will advance Appalachia’s capabilities to establish a regional energy hub for hydrogen produced from natural gas feedstocks. Washington, D.C., December 19, 2024 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded nearly $4.7 million to three projects through its Appalachian Regional Energy Hub Initiative. The awards will support activities to implement a hydrogen energy […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
This funding opportunity supports the development and implementation of a regional energy hub.| Appalachian Regional Commission
Effective January 20, 2025, any statements outlined in Appalachia Envisioned: ARC’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan that reference “diversity, equity and inclusion” and “green energy” are no longer applicable. 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 […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Under certain conditions, ARC will consider recommending a waiver of the foreign residence requirement on behalf of physicians holding J-1 Visas in Health Professional Shortage Areas.| Appalachian Regional Commission
ARC’s Area Development program empowers Appalachian communities to work with their state governments to design impactful projects that will strengthen infrastructure, businesses, the workforce and more.| Appalachian Regional Commission
Georgia| Appalachian Regional Commission
The achievement of economic development goals in Appalachia is dependent upon local ability to prioritize challenges and implement impactful solutions. Many areas, especially those designated as rural and economically distressed, lack capacity at the individual, organizational or community level to effectively plan and implement strategies, capitalize on funding opportunities and steer investments toward successful outcomes. […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Local development districts (LDDs) — also known as area development districts (ADDs), council of governments (COGs) or regional planning and development commissions — are multi-county planning organizations facilitating community-based, regionally driven economic development. There are 74 LDDs in the Appalachian Region. Guided by community leaders, elected officials, business representatives and others, ARC relies on LDDs to lead […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
This map displays the 61 congressional districts and the district representatives of the 119th U.S. Congress in the Appalachian Region.| Appalachian Regional Commission
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.| Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Region includes 423 counties across 13 states. As part of ARC’s unique structure, every investment is made in partnership with state leadership. This enables flexible community- and state-driven project development as well as opportunities to advance regional initiatives and model practices. Learn more about the ARC program in each state, including contact information, […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Largest POWER funding package to date is expected to create more than 2,400 new jobs and train over 10,500 workers for new opportunities in Appalachia’s coal-impacted communities across 10 states. PITTSBURGH, Pa., October 16, 2024—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded $68.2 million to 65 projects through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Leadership Institute is a comprehensive leadership and economic development training opportunity for people who live and/or work in Appalachia and are passionate about helping their communities thrive.| Appalachian Regional Commission
READY Grants to Grow is making $9 million available for projects that will build individual, organizational and/or community capacity to help the region’s most underserved areas and populations create positive change. WSHINGTON, D.C., September 25, 2024—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced the launch of READY Grants to Grow, a new, $9 million funding opportunity […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
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. Asheville, N.C., September 18, 2024—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded nearly $11.5 million to 39 projects through its Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative, which aims to […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
ARC’s vision is to ensure that Appalachia—a region of great opportunity—will achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. This means Appalachia’s economic indicators will become proportionate with the nation as a whole. While significant progress has been made, challenges such as economic transition in coal communities, the substance use disorder crisis and the lingering impacts of […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Appalachian nonprofits are mission-driven organizations committed to meeting pressing community needs. However, these organizations often lack the capacity and resources to put ideas into action. Through READY Nonprofits, ARC provides no-cost training to help leaders of nonprofits serving the Appalachian Region build skills in federal grant application and management, financial management, fundraising, employee recruitment and retention, […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Appalachia’s local governments are the backbone of economic and community development. With more federal funding available than ever, local governments need support to apply for these opportunities and leverage federal support to create lasting, positive change. READY Local Governments provides no-cost training to help local government officials better identify, secure, manage, and implement federally funded […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Appalachia’s 74 Local Development Districts play a critical role in community and economic growth, often serving as the primary development organizations in rural areas. With a variety of federal funding sources available, LDDs need support to help their communities identify, access, and best utilize these opportunities. Through READY LDDs, ARC has awarded nearly $4 million to 41 LDDs […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
In many areas of Appalachia, community foundations are the only philanthropic option for nonprofits, local government entities and other community groups. READY Community Foundations provides no-cost training to help these organizations strengthen operations, programming and fundraising. Following completion of the training program, participants will be eligible to apply for up to $25,000 in funding (no-match […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
READY Appalachia, our new community capacity-building initiative, offers free cohort-based training, and flexible funding to employees of Appalachian nonprofits, community foundations, local governments, and Local Development Districts.| Appalachian Regional Commission
Appalachia is made up of 423 counties across 13 states and spans 206,000 square miles, from southern New York to northern Mississippi. The Region’s 26.3 million residents live in parts of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, and all of West Virginia.| Appalachian Regional Commission
Following completion of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s nine-month economic development training program, graduates bring new skills and vision to their work strengthening Appalachian communities. WASHINGTON, D.C., July 24, 2024—The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is proud to announce that 40 fellows from Appalachia’s 13 states graduated from its Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI), a leadership and economic […]| Appalachian Regional Commission
Meet the 2023-2024 class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, who graduated in July 2024. Watch the Class of 2023-2024’s recap video here.| Appalachian Regional Commission
Through ARISE, ARC aims to drive large-scale, regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative projects across Appalachia.| Appalachian Regional Commission
ARC’s footprint spans 423 counties across 13 states. This includes all of West Virginia – the only state completely within the Appalachian Region – and parts of 12 other states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. See the full list of Appalachian counties below and […]| Appalachian Regional Commission