Working for a more just and sustainable Appalachia.
The Central Appalachian Network (CAN)’s mission is to develop and deploy economic strategies that build wealth in local communities, conserve natural and cultural resources, and empower marginalized communities. We work in collaboration across sectors, partnering with other non-profits, community groups, funders, educational institutions, local government, and private business. CAN actively pursues economic transition in Central Appalachian communities through a variety of economic sectors and market-based strategies, and currently focuses on:
How We Work
CAN is a network of networks, anchored by a Steering Committee of 7 non-profit organizations. CAN’s sector-focused networks coordinate regional analysis and strategies in areas like Food & Ag, Clean Energy, and Creative Placemaking. Our network of practitioner partners includes over 50 different organizations working on community economic development, including non-profits, local government agencies, lenders, community groups, social enterprises, and academic institutions. CAN’s roles include supporting peer-to-peer learning, collaborative strategies, organizational capacity-building, cross-sector partnership, demonstration projects, in-person convening, and field-building research & publications.
Events & Happenings
There is a lot happening across our region every day! To help share, promote, and keep track of all the activities CAN partners are involved in, use this shared calendar to share information about your upcoming events and learn about other happenings.
Stories & Resources
New Policy Toolkit for Expanding Central Appalachia’s Energy Leadership in the 21st Century
Central Appalachia's emerging clean energy economy has potential benefits for economic development, job creation, community resilience, and sustainability. Yet, the policy context at the state, local, and regulatory level is critically important to this emerging market. This policy analysis toolkit from the Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI) looks at the region's policy landscape and provides a set of recommendations and priorities to guide future policy change and advocacy efforts in Appalachia.
Read MoreIn Clean Energy, Climate Change, Guest Post, Policy, Publication, Research
Forest Farming & Agroforestry in Central Appalachia
This Food & Ag Systems Working Group learning call, hosted by CAN and the Appalachia Funders Network, featured a collection […]
Read MoreIn Agroforestry, Food systems, Forest farming, Non-timber Forest Products, Value ChainsMore posts by topic:
Clean Energy Entrepreneurship Food Hub Food systems Healthy Food Access Policy Publication Public Health Research Stories Value ChainsGet social on
Check out the full testimony by Brandon Dennison of Coalfield Development Corporation in front of the House Natural Resources Committee earlier this week!
"But the fact that coal isn’t coming back doesn’t mean that doesn’t mean Appalachia has no future. In fact, the void left by coal’s collapse has made room for new sprouts of entrepreneurship. And Appalachia can be a vital contributor in the fight against climate change. With smart federal policy and investment, our country can accelerate these new sprouts."
"If we don’t pay attention to the economic hurt of extraction communities—and invest in solutions that show there’s a viable economic path forward beyond coal—we’ll only deepen the division in our country. We in Appalachia need to know we are valued. The country needs to know we have more to offer than just coal."
Hearing of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
coalfield-development.org
Investing in the economic revitalization of the communities that have been...MACED is poised to invest a half million dollars in four solar projects this year in Letcher County. These investments will create jobs, help businesses thrive, and lower utility bills. Millions more could be invested in solar across Eastern Kentucky, supporting small businesses, local governments, and non-profits struggling with high utility bills. For these investments to be viable, we rely on the provisions of Kentucky’s 2008 net metering statute. A drastic change to the statute is being considered right now by the Kentucky legislature that could dramatically stifle our growing solar industry, and the good paying jobs it provides. Kentucky needs a new economy and clean energy can help us get there. #solarkentucky #solarworksKY
Here is a news story about the Congressional testimony presented by MACED and Coalfield Development Corporation to encourage economic transition investments in coal-impacted communities
Coal Community Leaders Urge Congress To Include Them In Climate Action
ohiovalleyresource.org
Ohio Valley economic development leaders told Congress that their coal mining communities must be central to conversations about addressing climate change.