Project Profile
Diversifying Appalachia: Metrics, Tools, Strategies, and Guides
In a study, commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), CREC, working in collaboration with the University of Illinois’ Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (REAL), developed a set of diversity measures to better understand the relationship between economic diversity and economic growth and development.
The study also summarizes diversity trends, economic development practices, and diversification strategies in ten Appalachian counties, and offers general lessons about what diversity means for economic development practice. An accompanying Web-based tool includes data and maps along with interactive features for exploring diversity trends in Appalachia and in the United States as a whole.
These diversity measures will be supplemented with research to identify and assess diversification strategies and best practices. The goal of this research is to assemble policy and practice guides for development practitioners in Appalachia and for ARC itself.
To view the report and related documents, please click here.
About the Client
Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local government. Established by an act of Congress in 1965, ARC is composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a federal co-chair, who is appointed by the president. Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts. |
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