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Features

Revitalizing Mill Communities One Step at a Time:

Union County Buffalo Mill Site Improvements Project

Source: Catawba Regional Council of Governments

The Buffalo Community in rural Union County, South Carolina, shares similar characteristics with other southern Appalachian communities. It was home to a textile mill in the 1900s that was the backbone of the community. The Buffalo Mill first opened its doors in 1901 and operated for almost 95 years in the manufacturing of textile goods. The Mill closed in 1995 due to the offshoring of the textile industry. For a brief time in the early 2000s, a potpourri company occupied the facility; however, by 2006, all but the two mill towers were demolished, leaving only rubble in its place.

In order to build a healthy workforce ecosystem, Union County has been proactive in revitalizing the Buffalo Community. An important part of any community is local amenities, and the Buffalo Mill Village Community Park is a valuable asset. The County believes that in order to attract a vibrant workforce to enable future economic competitiveness, it must capitalize on the area’s present assets and make them usable for current and prospective residents.

Time is Running Out!

Help Define the Conversation at the 2027 Annual Conference

DDAA is now accepting session proposals for the 2027 Annual Conference!

This year’s theme, Bridging Communities, Building Futures, highlights the partnerships, strategies, and innovations helping Appalachian communities thrive.

Whether your work focuses on workforce development, infrastructure, economic growth, tourism, leadership, or technology, your experience can inspire meaningful discussion and action.

Submit your proposal by TOMORROW, July 31^st!

News

$321 Million Science Initiative Aims to Make Appalachia America’s Next Energy Innovation Hub

A New White House Policy is Complicating How Maryland Organizations Battle The Opioid Crisis

Beyond The New River Gorge: Raleigh County is Reinventing Itself Through Outdoor Recreation

Foothills Airport Grant Could Mean Jobs, Economic Growth

Growing Seed and Opportunity: UK Launches Appalachian Seed Entrepreneurship Project with $1.7M ARC Grant

New McArthur Center in Vinton County Celebrates Grand Opening

Post-Helene Reforestation Comes to Southern Appalachia’s Roan Mountain

ReImagine Appalachia Midyear Roundup

Report: Appalachia, W.Va. Continue Economic Improvement

Rising Grocery Costs Drive Hunger Concerns Across Southern West Virginia

Severe Flooding Linked to Increased Deaths From Opioid Use in Rural Appalachia

SSU Receives $2 Million ARC Grant to Expand Industrial Chemistry Program

Virginia Rejoins RGGI

Research

Appalachia Funders Network: State of Funding in Appalachia

A Tale of Three Cities: Lessons on Economic Development from the Birthplace of the Oil Industry

Economic Development Impacts of Completed ADHS Corridors

Elevated Rates of Poverty Across Appalachia Serves as Spatial Driver of Geographical and Financial Food Insecurity in the Region

Invest Appalachia 2025 Impact Report

ReImagine Appalachia DRAFT Appalachian Manufacturing Plan

Events

Community Conversations: Appalachia at the Table

Zoom Meeting

August 7, 2026

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET

Webinar: Strengthening Rural Economies: The Role of Health

Zoom

August 11, 2026

2:30 PM – 5:00 PM ET

More Information

More Information

Webinar: Data Centers, NDAs, and Transparency

Zoom

August 13, 2026

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET

2026 ARC SOAR Summit

Corbin, KY

October 7 – 9, 2026

More Information

More Information

Grant Opportunities

Delta States Rural Development Network Program

Deadline: August 12, 2026

Technical Assistance and Training for Rural, Small and Tribal Municipalities and Wastewater Treatment Systems

Deadline: August 14, 2026

2027 Emerging Markets Program

Deadline: August 14, 2026

Accelerating Solutions to Improve Access and Quality of Empirically-Supported Practices for Youth Mental Health

Deadline: January 8, 2027

Appalachian Solar Finance Fund

Deadline: Rolling

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Pioneering Ideas: Exploring the Future to Build a Culture of Health

Deadline: Rolling

U.S. Department of Agriculture: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program

Deadline: Rolling

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