Building a better future for the Appalachian Region requires both a clear vision of the present, and an informed view of the past. In considering how to help the Region continue building stronger local economies and communities, local development districts (LDDs) must review past efforts to learn what programs have worked; where change is needed; and how to better plan for the challenges and opportunities tomorrow will bring.

Like the Region itself, LDDs have a proud history of hard work and achievement to celebrate; and now, in a rapidly changing global economy, they can build on the lessons learned in the past to plan and prepare for success in the future. More than ever, LDDs’ economic development experience gives them a critical role to play in making Appalachia prosperous.