DDAA Monthly Newsletter

Georgia’s Appalachian Regional Port is proving how strategic partnerships can drive rural economic growth. In this feature, Boyd Austin highlights the ARP’s record-breaking performance, its critical rail connection to the Port of Savannah, and the Appalachian Regional Commission’s long-term investment in building a powerful regional logistics hub.

DDAA Monthly - November 2025: This month’s newsletter highlights ARC’s new investment in Forest City’s electrical infrastructure. .Its first of this kind since 2021 - along with key regional news on leadership, health, energy, and economic development. We’ve also gathered fresh research, timely grant opportunities, and a lineup of events across Appalachia. Click to explore what’s shaping the region this month.

DDAA October Monthly: Nominate regional leaders for the 2026 DDAA Awards by Oct. 31! See how Niles, OH is transforming its downtown with ACGP funding. Join peers at the RLF Meeting in Tuscaloosa, Dec. 9–10. Plus: the latest Appalachian news, research, and grant opportunities. Read more here!

DDAA Monthly - September 2025: DDAA is accepting proposals for the Revolving Loan Fund Peer Meeting in Tuscaloosa, AL (Dec. 9–10, 2025). Selected facilitators will have their hotel and airfare covered! Registration is free but space is limited. This issue also features the latest news, research, events, and grant opportunities from across Appalachia, so don’t miss it. Read more here!

DDAA Monthly - August 2025: This issue highlights a call for presentations for the Revolving Loan Fund Peer Meeting in Tuscaloosa, AL on December 9-10. Also featured: Appalachian regional news, new research and resources, upcoming grant opportunities, and events including the 2026 NADO & DDAA Washington Conference.

DDAA Monthly: July 2025 - In this issue: thank you for joining us at the DDAA Seminar! Final call! Call for Session Proposals are due tomorrow! Submit your proposal today. Also, read more news, research, and events!

DDAA Monthly: June 2025 - In this issue, read how BTC Communications Steps Up to Serve Tennessee’s Underserved Communities, learn more 2026 Annual Conference: Call for Session Proposals, stay in the know with news updates, research, events and grants information.

The latest DDAA Newsletter is here! And it's packed with updates, insights, and opportunities for Appalachian development professionals! Inside this issue: Save your spot for the 2025 DDAA Professional Development Seminar in Pittsburgh. New research on energy, healthcare, and workforce development. Grant opportunities to support local growth. Read the full update here!

  For all your LDD news! <!– <!– DDAA Monthly <!– Feature <!– <!– ARC POWER…Turning Coal to Gold – Monday Lick Trail Project <!– <!– Mayor of Marlinton WV, Sam Felton, cutting the ribbon flanked by local leaders from our Congressional team (Todd Gunter representing Senator Capito), Region 4 PDC personnel, SHARC, Pocahontas CVB […]

DDAAA Monthly: March 2025 - This month’s feature highlights the ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide in Western North Carolina. With restrictive state laws preventing local governments from operating broadband networks, nonprofit internet provider Pangaea has stepped in to expand access across Polk and Rutherford Counties. Thanks to a $600,000 grant from ARC, Pangaea is set to extend its fiber network, reaching hundreds of additional homes and businesses. In addition to this success story, we’ve compiled key updates on rural broadband, infrastructure investments, and economic development initiatives. Be sure to check out upcoming grant opportunities and events, including an April webinar on trade and transportation in Appalachia. Stay informed and connected with the latest news shaping rural communities!

DDAA Monthly - February 2025: This month's newsletter showcases how Golden Triangle PDD in Mississippi is Using State-of-the-Art GIS Mapping to Support Transportation, an announcement on Mobilizing Data for Talent Development, and so much more! Click to read more and stay in the know on all LDD news.

DDAA Monthly: January 2025 - Our Feature: Join us for the 2025 DDAA Annual Conference, March 9-12 in Arlington, VA! For more information and to register, please click her. Read more news headlines, research, events and grant opportunities.

The DDAA Monthly: Holiday Edition - Thank you for being a part of DDAA! Your membership plays a vital role in strengthening Appalachian communities. Throughout 2024, the Development District Association of Appalachia has worked to support Local Development Districts in fostering economic growth, resilience, and opportunity across the region. Stay informed about key initiatives, upcoming events, and regional success stories that shape the future of the Appalachian communities.

DDAA Monthly: December 2024 - In this edition, we highlight the groundbreaking BEAT Center in Fort Payne, Alabama, shaping the next generation of STEM professionals. Plus, don’t miss updates on vital funding opportunities, impactful regional development stories, and an upcoming conference you won’t want to miss. Stay informed on the latest trends in economic development, community growth, and more! Read more for all the details.

DDAA Monthly: October 2024 - In this edition, we’re diving into a free DDAA roundtable on GIS, data, and beyond—offering invaluable insights for Local Development Districts (LDDs) aiming for success in regional prosperity. Plus, learn how Union County, South Carolina, overcame local match funding challenges to D a critical streetscape project. Don’t miss these exciting updates and more—read on for full details!

DDAA Monthly: September 2024 - We’re thrilled to announce the DDAA GIS Peer Meeting in Greenville, SC, this December—featuring member-led sessions on GIS and data use at Local Development Districts. Interested in leading a session? Submit your proposal by October 4! Plus, the deadline for DDAA’s 2025 Awards nominations is just around the corner—don’t miss your chance to recognize outstanding individuals in the field. Get all the details inside!

  For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly Features Board Feature: 2024 DDAA Professional Development Seminar On July 16-17, DDAA held the 2024 Professional Development Seminar in Huntington, West Virginia. The seminar provided timely and relevant training to those who desired to improve their work skills and enhance their performance at their organization, from executive […]

DDAA Monthly: July 2024 - In this edition, we recap the success of the DDAA Leadership Development Seminar, featuring expert insights on loan compliance, HR practices, and leadership at Local Development Districts. Plus, hear highlights from Gayle Manchin’s vision for Appalachia and Audy Perry’s keynote on the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. We also feature the Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board’s annual conference—packed with valuable professional development sessions. Dive in for all the details!

DDAA Monthly: June 2024 -We’re excited to announce that Eastgate Regional Council of Governments has successfully secured over $19 million in funding for 10 projects through the Appalachian Community Grant Program. Plus, learn about the highlights from their 2024 Annual Meeting, celebrating major accomplishments like the funding for Mahoning River dams. Also, don’t miss out on the upcoming DDAA Professional Development Seminar in Huntington, WV, packed with valuable insights on funding, talent attraction, and networking opportunities. Read on for more!

DDAA Monthly: May 2024 - Don’t miss your chance to join the DDAA Professional Development Seminar in Huntington, WV, on July 16-17! This exclusive event for Appalachian workforce and economic development professionals offers valuable insights on funding, talent retention, and best practices for the region. Check out our newsletter to read more and stay updated on the latest news, research, and so much more!

  For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly Feature Board Spotlight: Addressing Workforce Challenges Collaboratively Across State Political Boundaries Two small rural LDD’s located in Northern Appalachia were successful in obtaining a $4.5 million grant from ARC’s ARISE program to provide new and innovative workforce initiatives as a two state partnership. The Twin Tiers ARISE […]

  For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly 2024 Professional Development Seminar Will Feature Deep Dive on ARC From July 16-17, 2024, DDAA will be hosting the 2024 Professional Development Seminar, designed to inform LDDs in Appalachia about the benefits of partnering with ARC. The benefits of partnering with ARC include: Access to additional grants […]

For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly Last Chance to Sign up for the 2024 DDAA Annual Conference! Join DDAA for sessions focused on regional development, the federal landscape, and the programs and policies that matter most to Local Development Districts and their stakeholders. Conference content will begin on the afternoon of Sunday, March 10 […]

  For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly 2024 DDAA Annual Conference Registration Now Open! Join DDAA for sessions focused on regional development, the federal landscape, and the programs and policies that matter most to Local Development Districts and their stakeholders. Conference content will begin on the afternoon of Sunday, March 10 for DDAA Board […]

  For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly DDAA Annual Conference Registration Now Open! Join DDAA for sessions focused on regional development, the federal landscape, and the programs and policies that matter most to Local Development Districts and their stakeholders. Conference content will begin on the afternoon of Sunday, March 10 for DDAA Board Members. […]

  For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly Land of Sky Regional Council Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS): Our Region, Our Future DDAA Board Member: Town of Cameron Housing Rehabilitation Project To prepare their region in Western North Carolina for a more resilient, equitable and prosperous future, Land of Sky Regional Council in 2022 convened […]

For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly DDAA Board Member: Improving Water Infrastructure in Northeast Georgia In 2020, the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission (NEGRC) assisted the City of Hoschton with securing funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The project included construction of a 500,000-gallon elevated water storage tank for the Hoschton water system which […]

  For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly Register Today for New DDAA Trainings! New Executive Directors Training Are you a new Executive Director? Join DDAA’s New Executive Director Training! October 19, 2023 Arlington, VA By attending the training, we will help you conquer challenges, network with other new executives, and learn practical lessons from […]

  For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly LLDD Board Member Shares Project Highlight Video: Eastgate River of Opportunity Project LDD Board Member Shares Project Highlight Video: Eastgate River of Opportunity Project. Eastgate Regional Council of Governments and thirteen communities along the Mahoning River are working together to restore the river that gave it’s life […]

  For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System, Greenville South Carolina The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System includes 25 miles of walking and biking trails, stretching from the City of Travelers Rest, through the campus of Furman University, downtown Greenville, and a large city park to its terminus […]

  For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly DDAA Board Member Blog Post: Board Member Orientation Having a new board member is only the first step in what you hope will be a mutually rewarding relationship. Whether orientation of your new board member is approached informally or formally, be sure to include the basics needed […]

  For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly DDAA Board Member Newslines: April 2023 DDAA is pleased to share the first edition of Newslines, a regular post from board members sharing what’s happening in LDDs across Appalachia. Our first edition features DDAA President Jeffrey Box and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA Alliance) in Pennsylvania. News […]

For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly DDAA Annual Conference Review The 2023 Annual Conference was a big success, with record attendance and great excitement. Of course, what makes the event great is the passion and commitment of DDAA’s members. Thank you to all who came – and for those who couldn’t, we hope to […]

  For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly 2022 Accomplishments The Development District Association of Appalachia has been busy in 2022 working to serve YOU in your mission to support your community. DDAA supports Local Development Districts in building healthy, prosperous, diverse, and resilient communities across the Appalachian Region. Learn More Registration Open for DDAA […]

  For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly Deadline Extended: Conference Call for Proposals The Development District Association of Appalachia is holding its Annual Conference in Arlington, Virginia from March 12-15, 2023. We plan to share cutting-edge ideas, highlight success stories and lessons learned, and engage with other LDDs during our annual gathering. DDAA is […]

For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly Annual Conference Slides Posted Thank you to all who participated in the 2022 NADO & DDAA Washington Conference, held from March 13-16 in Arlington, Virginia. Links to view presentations from the conference can be found here. How Are Appalachian Communities Using ARPA Funds? In our first set of […]

  For all your LDD news! DDAA Monthly Questions About ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Funds? The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), enacted in March 2021, makes unprecedented funding available to combat the devastating health and economic impacts of COVID-19. The ARC research department’s preliminary analysis shows that Appalachian counties will receive approximately $5.3B in Local […]