Strengthening Economic Resilience in Appalachian Communities
The economies of many counties and sub-regions in the Appalachian Region have historically depended on a few dominant industries, such as mining or manufacturing. In recent years, Appalachian coal production—particularly in the Central Appalachian coal basin—has plummeted. Coal companies have gone bankrupt, resulting in job losses with devastating effects on families, communities, counties, and states. Using state-of-the-art research methods, focus groups, and community-level surveys, this project with Downstream Strategies LLC and the Appalachian Regional Commission investigated best practices, strategies, and policies that local leaders can use to enhance the future economic prospects of coal-impacted communities throughout the Appalachian Region. It resulted in a Technical Report and a Guidebook for Practitioners.
Funding Agency: Appalachian Regional Commission
Lead Institution: Downstream Strategies
Accompanying Institution(s): Dialogue + Design and Associates, NERCRD, and West Virginia University
Start Date: January, 2018 End Date: March, 2019