[PDF] Should The Appalachian Regional Commission Be Used As A Model For The Nation eBook

Author : Michael Bradshaw
Publisher : University Press of Kentucky
Page : 249 pages
File Size : 15,6 MB
Release : 2021-10-21
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 0813185874

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The images of poverty in Appalachia that John F. Kennedy used in his campaign for the presidency in 1960 shocked and disturbed many Americans. Five years later, President Lyndon Johnson and the U.S. Congress demonstrated their commitment to that neglected and exploited region with the creation of the Appalachian Regional Commission. In this insightful book, Michael Bradshaw explores the ARC's unique federal-state partnership and analyses in detail the contributions of the local development districts. But this work is more than an analysis of a government agency; it is, as Bradshaw notes, "a book about an attempt to change the human geography of a large region of the United States by means of public policy." Bradshaw offers important insights into the ARC's interactions with six administrations throughout its history. The Reagan years were especially challenging: during his eight years in office, Reagan left the ARC out of his budget entirely, but support from the state governors and Congress prevented closing of the Commission and maintained basic funding. The bottom line for an agency such as the ARC is whether it has made any difference in the lives of the people of Appalachia. Many would say their lives have been affected positively by the government funds that have been poured into the region, but many others continue to question the ways in which the ARC was established and operated. This is a book that should be read by any citizen who is interested in how to make government work effectively at all levels.

Author : Appalachian Regional Appalachian Regional Commission
Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Page : 44 pages
File Size : 28,3 MB
Release : 2015-12-31
Category :
ISBN : 9781522986652

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The Appalachian Regional Commission has a key role in helping the people of Appalachia build a better future: creating jobs, building infrastructure to foster business and community growth and to connect the Region with national and international markets, and developing an educated, healthy workforce prepared to participate fully in the global economy. Appalachia has made significant progress in addressing its historical challenges, but ARC's vision for the Region has not yet been achieved. In fiscal year 2010, more than 80 counties were still classified as economically distressed. Increased global competition and technological change have resulted in job losses and restructuring in many key Appalachian industries. Because of its rugged terrain and high proportion of rural residents, Appalachia is at risk of falling behind in the implementation and use of modern technology and telecommunications, necessary components of competitiveness in today's economy. In this time of economic challenges and rapid change in the way business is conducted worldwide, ARC is working to ensure that Appalachia's leaders and citizens have the capacity, capability, and resources they need to build and strengthen their local economies. The Commission's structure as a federal-state-local partnership and as a regional agency makes it uniquely suited to help guide and foster the local efforts required for change. This strategic plan is a guide for ARC to take targeted and measurable action toward its vision of bringing Appalachia into full economic parity with the nation. It outlines goals and objectives that provide clear guidance for priorities and a basis for annual evaluation. It calls for alignment of resources to maximize results and for performance measurement that ensures that the ARC partnership is effective and accountable. It creates a framework for building on past accomplishments to help move Appalachia forward.