In The Region - March 12, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 10
ARC NEWS
Strengthening Local Partnerships at NADO/DDAA Conference
ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin, Executive Director Brandon McBride and other ARC staff met with representatives from the 74 Appalachian local development districts(LDDs) at the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) conference this week.
Guided by community leaders, elected officials, business representatives and others, LDDs lead and leverage local partnerships to ensure ARC investments have maximum impact. 🧭
The Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA), which co-hosted the conference, supports LDDs through ongoing technical assistance, peer learning and other resources.
➡️ Learn more about Appalachia's local development districts!
Register By March 18 ‼️ 2026 Regional Workshops
Our 2026 Regional Workshops are happening this month in Cartersville, Georgia (March 24), and Ithaca, New York (March 26). But don't worry! Registration is open until March 18. ⌛
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. See you there! 👋
Get Grant Management System Answers at Office Hours
Do you have questions about our new grant management system, Pathways? 🛣️ Our staff are here to help during virtual office hours!
Wednesday, March 18: 10:00–11:00 a.m. ET
Monday, April 20: 10:00–11:00 a.m. ET
Wednesday, April 29: 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET
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.
COMMUNITY
This week in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Appalachian Regional Development Act, formally establishing ARC. 🖋️ Since then, we've invested $6B in 34K projects across Appalachia. Those funds have in turn attracted more than $12B in private investment.
ARC is investing $700K in access to broadband internet for households, businesses and community services in rural Giles County, Virginia. 🛜 The projected 110K feet of new fiber network is part of a broader plan to expand high-speed internet access throughout the county.
POWER grantee WV Career Collaborative will host a networking event for local education and industrial sector leaders interested in strengthening connections between the classroom and workforce development in Jane Lew, West Virginia, on March 25. 🧑🏭
APPALACHIA IN THE NEWS
Northern Appalachia
Ashtabula readying Main Avenue façade upgrades to roll out, Star Beacon
North Central seeks public input for 2026-30 regional economic strategy, The Bradford Era
Central Appalachia
Athens Public Library to undergo renovations, Athens Messenger
Belmont commissioners approve $750K grant for water project, The Intelligencer
Friends of SWVA awarded $127K to help grow creative, outdoor rec businesses, Kingsport Times News
Ribbon cutting to be held for two new flood relief homes at Cliff, Floyd County Chronicle
Southern Appalachia
Floyd County Commission approves funding to complete amphitheater project, WRGA
Long-planned project close to completion in Rockmart, The Polk County Standard Journal
EVENTS
Pathways Office Hours
March 18, April 20 & 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
