In the Region - February 26, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 8
ARC NEWS
13 Appalachian States at 2026 Quorum
On Saturday, the Federal Co-Chair, governors and representatives from Appalachia’s 13 states gathered for the Commission's annual quorum meeting.
During the discussion, led by ARC States’ Co-Chair Governor Reeves of Mississippi, several governors shared updates on their work to expand economic opportunities in Appalachian communities, including success stories and investment goals for 2026.
Thank you to all who participated in the quorum this year! Learn more about how ARC collaborates with state governments across Appalachia.
Present at Our Annual Conference! ☀️ Deadline Extended: March 6
The deadline to submit proposals for programming at Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Growth has been extended to March 6!
Submit a proposal now for a chance to showcase your transformative economic development work at ARC's 2026 Annual Conference in Starkville, Mississippi, June 2–4. ☀️
Submitting a programming proposal is quick and easy! ✅
There's Still Time to Register for Regional Workshops ⌛
Our 2026 Regional Workshops are happening next month in Cartersville, Georgia (March 24), and Ithaca, New York (March 26). These events are coming up fast but there's still time to register.
Attendees will learn about best practices for ARC projects, from design to compliance. This is a great opportunity to get support in taking your current or future project to the next level!
Register now! ✅
COMMUNITY
A healthcare industry job fair and mobile health clinic from Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is returning to Charleston, West Virginia, next month. 🚑 $400K in ARC funds supported the mobile clinic.
The Blount County Education Foundation will use more than $264K in ARC funds to strengthen STEAM training programs for 2.2K students in Appalachian Alabama. 🏫 The grant will fund upgrades to technology, equipment and educational resources.
Local leaders celebrated the completion of the ARC-supported Alexander Industrial Park sewer project in Western North Carolina. 🔧 Approximately 2.4K feet of newly installed lines will help deliver service to the 16-acre industrial park.
AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITY
Get Help With New Grant Management System Pathways
Our new grant management system, Pathways, is a key part of any ARC funding application process!
After you sign up for an account, you may have questions! Our staff are here to help at our Pathways virtual office hours, happening from February 25 to April 29.
If you're planning to apply for upcoming ARC funding opportunities but haven't registered for Pathways yet, make sure you sign up for an account soon. 💡
APPALACHIA IN THE NEWS
Northern Appalachia
Downtown revitalization program getting underway in Geneva, Gazette News
Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce hosted annual State of the County update, The Daily News
Central Appalachia
$2M in grants to fund destroyed Roan Mountain park’s restoration, WJHL
Gov. Josh Stein visits Woodfin, plus other updates on Buncombe County small towns, Mountain Xpress
Harlan County secures $4M in federal funding for water infrastructure improvements, WYMT
Southern Appalachia
Attalla school system gets ARC grant to modernize technology at Etowah High, The Anniston Star
EVENTS
Pathways Office Hours
March 3–April 29, 2026; virtual
2026 ARC Regional Workshop
March 24, 2026; Cartersville, Georgia
2026 ARC Regional Workshop
March 26, 2026; Ithaca, New York
2026 ARC Annual Conference, Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Growth
June 2–4, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi
