Appalachia's natural, cultural, structural, and leadership resources can play an important role in building a strong and sustainable economy in the Region. ARC's Asset-Based Development Initiative seeks to help communities identify and leverage local assets to create jobs and build prosperity while preserving the character of their community.

Development strategies include:

• Capitalizing on traditional arts, culture, and heritage.
• Leveraging ecological assets for outdoor sports such as fishing, camping, white-water rafting, and rock climbing.
• Adding value to farming through specialized agricultural development, including processing specialty food items, fish farming, and organic farming.
• Getting the most from hardwood forests by maximizing sustainable timber harvesting and value-added processing.
• Encouraging the development of local leadership and civic entrepreneurs.
• Converting overlooked and underused facilities into industrial parks, business incubators, or educational facilities.

Beginning in FY 2005, ARC will undertake a broad scope of work under the Asset-Based Development Initiative, including identifying best practices, building partnerships with private, public and nonprofit organizations, providing technical assistance to communities, and funding asset-based development efforts. The Commission has allocated $3 million for regional initiatives in FY 2005, including the Telecommunications Initiative and the Asset-Based Development Initiative.

ARC–National Geographic Geotourism Project

Resources for Asset-Based Development

ARC Guidelines for Asset-Based Development Projects, FY 2005

Natural and Cultural Heritage Tourism Development Grants Competition Winners, June 2007

Asset-Based Development Grant Competition Winners, July 2005