Recent Entries
Three Just Transition Examples in Appalachia

Three Just Transition E...

This month the focus at Renew Appalachia is on Just Transition and exploring exactly what that means, particularly in the rural areas of Central Appalachia. It’s important, though, to point out that Just Transition is more than just a lofty idea; it’s playing out in communities across...
Transition in Action: What is ‘Appalachian Transition?’

Transition in Action: W...

The Mountain Association for Community and Economic Development – and many others – believe eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia are experiencing an important moment. While the region has always faced change, current and urgent trends require big solutions, and are creating a...

New Blog Series, ‘...

We here at Renew Appalachia have always been committed to highlighting the great economic transition work that’s happening across the Central Appalachian region. It’s important to us that our readers know about the many different aspects of economic transition that are...
Eastern Kentuckian’s familial oral history collection teaches lessons about the region’s future

Eastern Kentuckian̵...

A person’s entire demeanor changes when you ask them to tell you about their history. They settle in and get comfortable with the conversation. They open up their hearts to you and sit in a realm of intimacy, and talk with you as a friend. When they know you care about what they have to...
Estill Development Alliance to Host Community-Building Conference, #EstillRising

Estill Development Alli...

On Friday, July 29th, the Estill Development Alliance will host a one-day conference-style event in downtown Irvine, Kentucky. Five track sessions will focus primarily on projects across Kentucky with successful community impacts. The event aims to involve Estill County residents in...

The Importance of Rural...

Last year, the US Department of Agriculture released a study that revealed a disparity in philanthropy that those working in rural places already keenly felt—when it comes to private grant money, rural based initiatives are at a disadvantage. The study found that in the five-year period...
Community Members hope to revitalize Route 7

Community Members hope ...

  Route 7 Antique Alley and Route 7 Artisan Fellowship are teaming up in eastern Kentucky, working across county lines, and hoping to make change happen in their communities. With 5,200 plus members — to put it into perspective, Whitesburg had only 2,057 residents in 2013 — Route 7...
STAY Project creates full-time position for Appalachian youth; hopes others will do the same

STAY Project creates fu...

The Stay Together Appalachian Youth (STAY) Project has created a full time position for Appalachian youth, to be stationed in the Central Appalachian region. This decision comes eight years after the formation of STAY, and just eight months after the part-time STAY Coordinator position...
UK Student Group wants university to take action on climate, deepen commitment to EKY transition

UK Student Group wants ...

Editor’s Note: The following is a guest blog post from a guest blogger. The views and opinions expressed in this guest blog do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Renew Appalachia or of the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED). I’ve sensed a...

Hal Rogers files bill t...

Today, Rep. Hal Rogers – along with several other Appalachian state representatives – filed the RECLAIM Act, which would release $1 billion in abandoned mine land (AML) funds through the POWER+ Plan for economic development related to land remediation of formerly mined and...

Kentucky leaders should...

New energy – wind, solar and efficiency – is a huge opportunity for eastern Kentucky right now. That is, if our leaders are willing to take advantage of it. Energy will be a hot topic during the Kentucky General Assembly, which is now getting into full swing. That’s...
Bill and Melinda Gates paid a visit to EKY

Bill and Melinda Gates ...

Making our eastern Kentucky youth feel like they can do anything is a very crucial part of transitioning the regional economy. It doesn’t hurt when Bill and Melinda Gates are telling them that, too, when they come to visit. The pair – who co-chair the Bill and Melinda Gates...
KSEC wants you for its Just Transition Working Group

KSEC wants you for its ...

Editor’s Note: The following is a guest blog post from a guest blogger. The views and opinions expressed in this guest blog do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Renew Appalachia or of the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED). Over the past...
Mountain Music Exchange owners hope new model of trade-ins, online sales will usher in new era of doing business in EKY

Mountain Music Exchange...

Walking into Mountain Music Exchange in Pikeville, Ky., is a bit jarring. From the outside, the shop on Highway 23 looks nondescript enough. There’s an old radio-record player combo on one side of the lobby, next to a plush leather couch where parents wait on their children receiving...