Browse reports by topic:

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Business

Sources of Regional Growth in Non-Metro Appalachia,
January 2008
Abstract | Table of Contents

Access to Capital and Credit for Small Businesses in Appalachia
National Community Reinvestment Coalition,
January 2007
Abstract | Report in PDF (1391 KB) | Table of Contents

Underemployment in Appalachia and the Rest of the United States, 1996-2004
Keystone Research Center, ARC,
2005
Abstract | Report in PDF (117 KB) | Table of Contents

Displacement in Appalachia and the Non-Appalachian United States, 1993-2003: Findings Based on Five Displaced Workers Surveys
by Stephan Herzenberg, Mark Price, and Howard Wial. Keystone Research Center,
2005
Abstract | Report in PDF (115 KB) | Table of Contents

Creating Regional Advantages in Appalachia: Towards a Strategic Response to Global Economic Restructuring
Keystone Research Center, ARC,
April 2005
Abstract | Report in PDF (256 KB) | Table of Contents

Assessing the Impact of Trade Liberalization on Import-Competing Industries in the Appalachian Region
Andrew B. Bernard Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and NBER, J. Bradford Jensen, Institute for International Economics, and Peter K. Schott, Yale School of Management and NBER,
July 2005
Abstract | Report in PDF (63 KB) | Report in HTML

Meeting the Transportation Challenges of the 21st Century: Economic Benefits of Intermodal Efficiencies
Report #4 in a series of transportation and trade studies of the Appalachian Region
Rahall Transportation Institute and Wilbur Smith Associates,
December 2004
Abstract | Report in PDF (63 KB) | Report in HTML

Meeting the Transportation Challenges of the 21st Century: Intermodal Case Studies
Report #3 in a series of transportation and trade studies of the Appalachian Region
Rahall Transportation Institute and Wilbur Smith Associates,
December 2004
Abstract | Report in PDF (1.2 MB) | Report in HTML

Meeting the Transportation Challenges of the 21st Century: Intermodal Opportunities in the Appalachian Region
Report #2 in a series of transportation and trade studies of the Appalachian Region
Rahall Transportation Institute and Wilbur Smith Associates,
December 2004
Abstract | Report in PDF (1.4 MB) | Report in HTML

Analysis of Global Competitiveness of Selected Industries and Clusters in the Appalachian Region
Report #1 in a series of transportation and trade studies of the Appalachian Region
Jack Faucett Associates and Economic Development Research Group, November 2004
Abstract | Report in PDF | Report in HTML

Labor Market Performance, Poverty, and Income Inequality in Appalachia
Dan A. Black, Syracuse University; and Seth G. Sanders, University of Maryland, September 2004
Abstract | Introduction | Report in PDF (1.1 MB) | Report in HTML

The Appalachian Economy, Establishment and Employment Dynamics, 1982-1997: Evidence from the Longitudinal Business Database
Lucia Foster, January 2004
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (200 KB) | Report in HTML

Regional Technology Assets and Opportunities: The Geographic Clustering of High-Tech Industry, Science and Innovation in Appalachia
Edward Feser and Harvey Goldstein, August 2002
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF | Report in HTML

Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Vocational Education and Workforce Training Projects
Westat Corporation, January 2002
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (1.3 MB) | Report in HTML

Analysis of Business Formation, Survival, and Attrition Rates of New and Existing Firms and Related Job Flows in Appalachia
The Brandow Company, October 2001
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (2 MB) | Report in HTML

An Assessment of Labor Force Participation Rates and Underemployment in Appalachia
David H. Bradley, Stephen A. Herzenberg,
and Howard Wial, August 2001
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (350 KB) | Report in HTML

Manufacturing Wage Inequality in the Appalachian Region: 1963–1992
by James K. Galbraith, University of Texas, May 2001.
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (2 MB) | Report in HTML

Evaluation of the Early Stages of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Entrepreneurship Initiative
Regional Technology Strategies, March 2001
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (600 KB) | Report in HTML

An Analysis of the Economic Development Role of Business Associations and Other Intermediary Organizations Serving Appalachian Industries, Volume I: Report and Volume II: Appendix
Lynn McCormick, April 2000
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (850 KB) | Report in HTML

The Economic Impact of Tobacco Production in Appalachia
Lawrence E. Wood, Intern, Appalachian Regional Commission, November 1998
Abstract | Report in PDF (150 KB) | Report in HTML

Birth and Death of Manufacturing Plants and Restructuring in Appalachia's Industrial Economy, 1963–1992: Evidence from the Longitudinal Research Database
J. Bradford Jensen, H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management, Carnegie Mellon Census Research Data Center, February 1998
Abstract | Report in PDF (150 KB) | Report in HTML

Exports, Competitiveness, and Synergy in Appalachian Industry Clusters
Stuart A. Rosenfeld, February 1997
Executive Summary | Report in PDF | Report in HTML

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Demographics

The Aging of Appalachia
John Haaga, Population Reference Bureau, July 2004
Abstract | Report in PDF (500 KB) | Report in HTML

Households and Families
Mark Mather, May 2004
Abstract | Introduction | Report in PDF (1.3 MB) | Report in HTML

Housing and Commuting Patterns in Appalachia
Mark Mather, January 2004
Abstract | Introduction | Report in PDF (1.8 MB) | Report in HTML

Appalachia at the Millennium: An Overview of Results from Census 2000
Kelvin M. Pollard, Population Reference Bureau, June 2003
Abstract | Report in PDF (1.5 MB) | Report in HTML

Demographic Diversity and Economic Change in Appalachia
Diane K. McLaughlin, Daniel T. Lichter, and Stephen A. Matthews, with the assistance of Glynis Daniels and James Cameron, July 1999
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (1.8 MB) | Report in HTML

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Distressed Counties

An Assessment of Alternative Measures for Determining Economically Distressed Counties and Areas in the Appalachian Region
This report was solely funded by the 13 partner states of the Appalachian Regional Commission, March 2008
Table of Contents and Report Downloads | Report in PDF (8 MB) | Executive Summary in HTML

Trends in National and Regional Economic Distress: 1960 - 2000
by Lawrence E. Wood, Ohio University, 2005
Abstract | Introduction | Report in PDF (1.8 MB) | Report in HTML

Recent Trends in Poverty in the Appalachian Region: The Implications of the U.S. Census Bureau Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates on the ARC Distressed Counties Designation
Roger Hammer, University of Wisconsin, Applied Population Laboratory, August 2000
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF | Report in HTML

Progress and Challenges in Reducing Economic Distress in Appalachia: An Analysis of National and Regional Trends Since 1960
Lawrence E. Wood and Gregory A. Bischak, Appalachian Regional Commission, January 2000
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF | Report in HTML

Building on Past Experiences: Creating a New Future for Distressed Counties
Amy K. Glasmeier and Kurt Fuellhart, Pennsylvania State University, January 1999
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in HTML

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Education

Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Vocational Education and Workforce Training Projects
Westat Corporation, January 2002
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (1.3 MB) | Report in HTML

Collected Case Study Evaluations of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Educational Projects (Vol. 2)
Westat Corporation, March 2001
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (500 KB) | Report in HTML

Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Educational Projects: Final Report (Vol. 1)
Westat Corporation, March 2001
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (900 KB) | Report in HTML

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Energy

Energy Efficiency in Appalachia: How Much More is Available, at What Cost, and by When? by Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. January 2009
Abstract | Full Report in PDF format (1.7 MB)

Energizing Appalachia: Global Challenges and the Prospect of a Renewable Future
Prepared for the Appalachian Regional Commission by: Dr. Amy Glasmeier, Ron Feingold, Amanda Guers, Gillian Hay, Teresa Lawler, Alissa Meyer, Ratchan Sangpenchan, Matthew Stern, Wesley Stroh, Polycarp Tam, Ricardo Torres, Romare Truly, Amy Welch., The Pennsylvania State University Department of Geography, September 2007
Table of Contents and Report Downoads | Full Report in PDF format (3 MB)

Energizing Appalachia: A Regional Blueprint for Economic and Energy Development
ARC, October 2006
HTML format | PDF format (660 KB)

Non-Renewable Energy Innovation: Research to Support the Appalachian Energy Initiative
Global Insight, Inc., September 2006
Abstract | Summary | Full Report in PDF (748 KB) | Table of Contents

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Appalachia: Policy and Potential
The Center for Business and Economic Research, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, August 2006
Abstract | Summary | Full Report in PDF (3.4 MB) | Table of Contents

Economic Development Potential of Conventional and Potential Alternative Energy Sources in Appalachian Counties
Amy Glasmeier, Penn State University and Tom Bell, Consulting Geologist, June 2006
Abstract | Summary | Full Report in PDF (4.7 MB) | Table of Contents

Summary of National and State Energy Policy Trends
Keystone Center,Washington, DC, August 2006
Abstract | Summary | Full Report in PDF (4.7 MB) | Table of Contents

Summary of the ARC-ORCAS Energy Workshops on Creating an Energy Blueprint for Appalachia
Oak Ridge Center for Advanced Studies, August 2006
Abstract | Summary | Full Report in PDF (767 KB) | Table of Contents

A Study on the Current Economic Impacts of the Appalachian Coal Industry and its Future in the Region
Mark Berger and Eric Thompson, March 2001
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF | Report in HTML

Comparing Electricity Deregulation in California and Pennsylvania: Implications for the Appalachian Region
Tim Considine and Andy Kleit, Pennsylvania State University, January 2002
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (800 KB) | Report in HTML

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Evaluations

Economic Impact Study of Completing the Appalachian Development Highway System
Cambridge Systematics, Inc., Economic Development Research Group, and HDR Decision Economics, June 2008
Report Summary | Full report in PDF (4.27 MB) | Table of Contents

Creating an Entrepreneurial Appalachian Region: Findings and Lessons from an Evaluation of the ARC’s Entrepreneurship Initiative 1997-2005,
Rural Policy Research Institute, April 2008
Report Summary | Report in PDF (3.2 MB) | Table of Contents

Program Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Infrastructure and Public Works Projects
BizMiner/Brandow Company and the EDR Group, October 2007
Report Summary | Report in PDF (1.5 MB) | Table of Contents

Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Community Capacity-Building Projects
Westat Corporation, July 2004
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (1 MB) | Report in HTML
Logic Model for Community Capacity Projects (Viewing this file requires the program PowerPoint. Save the file to your computer before opening it.)

Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Telecommunications Projects: 1994–2000
Westat Corporation, June 2003
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (1.5 MB) | Report in HTML

Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Vocational Education and Workforce Training Projects
Westat Corporation, January 2002
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (1.3 MB) | Report in HTML

Collected Case Study Evaluations of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Educational Projects (Vol. 2)
Westat Corporation, March 2001
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (500 KB) | Report in HTML

Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Educational Projects: Final Report (Vol. 1)
Westat Corporation, March 2001
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (900 KB) | Report in HTML

Evaluation of the Early Stages of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Entrepreneurship Initiative
Regional Technology Strategies, March 2001
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (600 KB) | Report in HTML

Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Infrastructure and Public Works Program Projects
Brandow Company and Economic Development
Research Group, June 2000
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (2 MB) | Report in HTML

Appalachian Development Highways Economic Impact Studies
Wilbur Smith Associates, July 1998
Executive Summary | Report in PDF | Report in HTML

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Foundations

Foundation Funding in the Appalachian Region in the 1990s: Patterns, Trends, and Prospects
Greg Bischak, Senior Economist, Appalachian Regional Commission, March 1999
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (550 KB) | Report in HTML

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Health Care

An Analysis of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disparities & Access to Treatment Services in the Appalachian Region
National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, and East Tennessee State University, August 2008
Abstract | Executive Summary | Table of Contents and Report Downloads

Underlying Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Health Disparities in the Appalachian Region
Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center/Office for Social Environment and Health Research, Department of Community Medicine, West Virginia University, March 2008
Abstract | Executive Summary | Table of Contents and Report Downloads

An Analysis of Disparities in Health Status and Access to Health Care in the Appalachian Region
Joel Halverson, West Virginia University, September 2004
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF | Report in HTML

An Analysis of the Financial Conditions of Health Care Institutions in the Appalachian Region and their Economic Impacts
Jeffrey Stensland, Curt Mueller, and Janet Sutton, Project HOPE, December 2002
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (1 MB) | Technical Appendix in PDF (5 MB) | Report in HTML

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Infrastructure

Program Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Infrastructure and Public Works Projects
BizMiner/Brandow Company and the EDR Group, October 2007
Report Summary | Report in PDF (1.5 MB) | Table of Contents

Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure: An Analysis of Capital Funding and Funding Gaps
University of North Carolina Environmental Financing Center, August 2005
Executive Summary in HTML | Table of Contents

Housing and Commuting Patterns in Appalachia
Mark Mather, January 2004
Abstract | Introduction | Report in PDF (1.8 MB) | Report in HTML

Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Infrastructure and Public Works Program Projects
The Brandow Company and Economic Development Research Group, June 2000
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (2 MB) | Report in HTML

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Socioeconomic Research

Standards of Living in Appalachia, 1960 - 2000
by Dan A. Black, University of Chicago, Mark Mather, Population Reference Bureau, and Seth G. Sanders, University of Maryland at College Park, September 2007
Abstract | Full Report in PDF (239 KB) | Supplementary Tables in PDF (72 KB)

The Upskilling of Appalachia: Earnings and the Improvement of Skill Levels, 1960 - 2000
by Dan A. Black, University of Chicago, Kevin M. Pollard, Population Reference Bureau, and Seth G. Sanders, University of Maryland at College Park, September 2007
Abstract | Full Report in PDF (132 KB) | Supplementary Tables in PDF (256 KB)

Trends in National and Regional Economic Distress: 1960 - 2000
by Lawrence E. Wood, Ohio University, 2005
Abstract | Introduction | Report in PDF (1.8 MB) | Report in HTML

Defining Subregions in Appalachia: Are There Better Alternatives?
Kevin Pollard, Population Reference Bureau June 2005
Abstract | Introduction | Report in PDF (1.1 MB) | Report in HTML

Labor Market Performance, Poverty, and Income Inequality in Appalachia
Dan A. Black, Syracuse University; and Seth G. Sanders, University of Maryland, September 2004
Abstract | Introduction | Report in PDF (1.1 MB) | Report in HTML

The Aging of Appalachia
John Haaga, Population Reference Bureau, July 2004
Abstract | Report in PDF (500 KB) | Report in HTML

Households and Families
Mark Mather, March 2004
Abstract | Introduction | Report in PDF (1.3 MB) | Report in HTML

Housing and Commuting Patterns in Appalachia
Mark Mather, January 2004
Abstract | Introduction | Report in PDF (1.8 MB) | Report in HTML

Recent Trends in Poverty in the Appalachian Region: The Implications of the U.S. Census Bureau Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates on the ARC Distressed Counties Designations
Roger Hammer, University of Wisconsin, Applied Population Laboratory, August 2000
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF | Report in HTML

Appalachian Migration Patterns, 1975–1980 and 1985–1990
Phillip Obermiller, University of Kentucky, and Steven Howe, University of Cincinnati, March 2000
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (150 KB) | Report in HTML

Demographic Diversity and Economic Change in Appalachia
Diane K. McLaughlin, Daniel T. Lichter, and Stephen A. Matthews with the assistance of Glynis Daniels and James Cameron, July 1999
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (1.8 MB) | Report in HTML

Socioeconomic Review of Appalachia
Appalachia Then and Now: An Update of "The Realities of Deprivation" Reported to the President in 1964
Andrew Isserman, West Virginia University, November 1996
Abstract | Report in PDF (1.5 MB) | Report in HTML

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Telecommunications

2004 Update of Links to the Future: The Role of Information and Telecommunications Technology in Appalachian Economic Development
Michael Oden and Sharon Strover with Nobuya Inagaki and Chris Lucas, University of Texas, June 2004
Abstract | Introduction | Report in PDF (900 KB) | Report in HTML

Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Telecommunications Projects: 1994–2000
Westat Corporation, June 2003
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (1.5 MB) | Report in HTML

Links to the Future: The Role of Information and Telecommunications Technology in Appalachian Economic Development
Michael Oden and Sharon Strover with Nobuya Inagaki, Martha Arosemena, Jeremy Gustafson, and Chris Lucas, University of Texas, June 2002
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (3 MB) | Report in HTML

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Tools

ARC-LEAP Assessment Tool

Handbook: Assessing Local Economic Development Opportunities with ARC-LEAP, Appalachian Regional Commission Local Economic Assessment Package
Economic Development Research Group, January 2004
Abstract | Report in PDF (300 KB) | Report in HTML

ARC-LEAP User Instructions for the Appalachian Regional Commission Local Economic Assessment Package
Economic Development Research Group, January 2004
Instructions in PDF (500 KB) | Instructions in HTML

Acquiring the Tool
The software ARC-LEAP Model that accompanies the handbook is available for government and nonprofit agencies based within Appalachia by written request from the Appalachian Regional Commission. Inquiries should be made to the attention of:
Greg Bischak, Senior Economist
Appalachian Regional Commission
1666 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20009-1068
Email: gbischak@arc.gov
You may also contact Keith Witt at kwitt@arc.gov.

Agencies outside of Appalachia and for-profit businesses can obtain the software ARC-LEAP Model directly from the vendor for a fee by contacting:
Economic Development Research Group
2 Oliver St., 9th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 617-338-6775
Web site: www.edrgroup.com

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Transportation

Economic Impact Study of Completing the Appalachian Development Highway System
Cambridge Systematics, Inc., Economic Development Research Group, and HDR Decision Economics, June 2008
Report Summary | Full report in PDF (4.27 MB) | Table of Contents

Meeting the Transportation Challenges of the 21st Century: Economic Benefits of Intermodal Efficiencies
Report #4 in a series of transportation and trade studies of the Appalachian Region
Rahall Transportation Institute and Wilbur Smith Associates, December 2004
Abstract | Report in PDF (63 KB) | Report in HTML

Meeting the Transportation Challenges of the 21st Century: Intermodal Case Studies
Report #3 in a series of transportation and trade studies of the Appalachian Region
Rahall Transportation Institute and Wilbur Smith Associates, December 2004
Abstract | Report in PDF (1.2 MB) | Report in HTML

Meeting the Transportation Challenges of the 21st Century: Intermodal Opportunities in the Appalachian Region
Report #2 in a series of transportation and trade studies of the Appalachian Region
Rahall Transportation Institute and Wilbur Smith Associates, December 2004
Abstract | Report in PDF (1.4 MB) | Report in HTML

Analysis of Global Competitiveness of Selected Industries and Clusters in the Appalachian Region
Report #1 in a series of transportation and trade studies of the Appalachian Region
Jack Faucett Associates and Economic Development Research Group, November 2004
Abstract | Report in PDF | Report in HTML

Handbook for Assessing Economic Opportunities from Appalachian Development Highways
Economic Development Research Group and Cambridge Systematics, March 2001
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF (1 MB) | Report in HTML

Appalachian Development Highways Economic Impact Studies
Wilbur Smith Associates, July 1998
Abstract | Executive Summary | Report in PDF | Report in HTML

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Questions about research?
Contact ARC research staff at reports@arc.gov.