In the Region - May 7, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 18
ARC NEWS
Coal Communities Can Apply for POWER Funding Now
Funding through our Fiscal Year 2026 Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative is available now to support economic development in coal communities across the Appalachian Region.⚡
POWER supports projects that create high-quality, in-demand jobs, attract new sources of private investment, and provide comprehensive workforce services and skills training. To date, nearly $485M in POWER grants have attracted more than $1.8B in private investment in 365 coal counties.
Interested in applying? Check out key steps below. ⬇️
Steps for POWER Applicants
📺 Watch the pre-application webinar.
💁 Head to the POWER application information page for easy access to all the resources you need.
⌨️ Register for our grant management system, Pathways, by May 15.
✍️ Submit your Letter of Intent to apply by May 22.
📬 Apply by July 8.
INSPIRE Letter of Intent to Apply Due May 12
Remember that May 12 is the deadline to submit your letter of intent (LOI) to apply for funding through our Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative!
LOIs are mandatory steps in the application process. Check out the application information page for more details about LOIs + other things you need to know.
COMMUNITY
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein proclaimed May 3–9, 2026, to be Small Business Week. Entrepreneurs and small businesses, including those inWestern North Carolina, make up more than 99% of businesses in the state’s economy. 💪
On May 21 in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission will host a career event designed to help young adults access education, training and employment, including apprenticeships. 🤝
Using $3.8M in ARC funds, Backroads of Appalachia’s motorsports tourism corridor is supporting economic revitalization in Central Appalachia by creating infrastructure, growing industries and creating new jobs. 🛣️
AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITY
Applications Due June 1: Appalachian Leadership Institute
Calling all current and future community leaders! You have until June 1, 2026, to apply for the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI). 💡
This no-cost training opportunity equips you to use economic development as a tool to drive positive change. Learn more and apply now.
APPALACHIA IN THE NEWS
Northern Appalachia
Bellaire breaks ground on recreation and entertainment complex, The Times Leader
Hubbard mayor gives updates on dam project, Tribune Chronicle
Central Appalachia
Tazewell opens Clinch River Pavilion, giving farmers market a permanent home, WVVA
Waynesburg University celebrates the class of 2026 at commencement, Waynesburg University
Southern Appalachia
EVENTS
Pathways Office Hours
May 14–June 23, 2026; virtual
2026 ARC Annual Conference, Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Growth ➡️ Join the waitlist!
June 2–4, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi
