In the Region - January 29, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 4
ARC NEWS
Now Accepting Proposals to Present at Appalachia Builds
Interested in showcasing your transformative economic development work at ARC's 2026 Annual Conference in Starkville, Mississippi, June 2–4? ☀️
We’re now accepting proposals for programming at Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Growth.
The conference will bring together economic and community development leaders from across the Appalachian Region to share ideas and insights from their work.
Proposals are due February 27.
Learn more and submit a programming proposal. See y’all in Starkville!
Register Now: ARC Regional Workshops in GA & NY
Registration is open now for our 2026 regional workshops! 🤝
Tuesday, March 24 – Cartersville, Georgia
Thursday, March 26 – Ithaca, New York
These workshops will help both grant applicants and awardees learn about best practices in project planning, design, compliance and alignment with program goals.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with subject matter experts and gain insights from staff, partners and grantees during panel discussions.
Learn more and register now!
Join Staff at Virtual Pathways Office Hours
Do you have questions about Pathways, our grant management system?
Join us at one of our virtual Pathways office hours, where ARC staff members will be on hand to help. 👨💻
Register for Pathways office hours now!
Tuesday, February 17: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 25: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 3: 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Monday, April 20: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, April 29: 1:00–2:00 p.m.
COMMUNITY
Amidst a historic winter storm, many Southern and Central Appalachian communities remain without power and inundated with ice. ARC remains committed to future-proofing communities so their economies can rebound and recover. 💪
Lawrence County, Alabama, will use more than $185K in funds from the AL Department of Economic and Community Affairs to improve a segment of County Road 407, which is a key access route for local residents. 🛣️
A new pedestrian bridge connecting Claude Kehler Park, Volunteer Park and downtown Shamokin, Pennsylvania, will support ongoing infrastructure improvements to strengthen businesses and boost revenue from visitors. ⛲
APPALACHIA IN THE NEWS
Northern Appalachia
East Liverpool awarded $1.9M for road improvement project, The Business Journal
Central Appalachia
Diving into David Crockett Birthplace State Park’s master plan for reopening, WJHL
Paintsville hears update on STEAM center, The Paintsville Herald
Southern Appalachia
EVENTS
Pathways User Resources Office Hours
February 17–April 29, 2026; virtual
2026 ARC Annual Conference, Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Growth
June 2–4, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi
