Learn more about our collaborative publications, reports, and field-building initiatives below.
The data to predict where climate disasters will hit hardest already exists. Scientists can map the threats, model the solutions, and identify where infrastructure will fail. What has been missing is the capacity to translate that knowledge into local plans — and the capital to act on them.
Invest Appalachia has spent years building toward that translation. Our 2023 climate research established the foundation: a regional picture of climate risk mapped against investment opportunity. Now, in partnership with NOAA, the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, and Ohio University, we’re moving that foundation into action. Through the work of our Rural Resilience Specialists, we’re embedding climate science at the front end of investment strategy, not as an afterthought.
The goal is resilience that’s resourced: community-led, research-backed, and built to last.
More from our newly-hired Rural Resilience Specialist coming soon.
The Appalachian Ecosystem Journey micro-site shares the process of growing a community investment ecosystem in Central Appalachia. The story unfolds in three phases that summarize the long developmental arc of the region’s community investment system, identifying key actors, milestones, and innovations that helped drive progress.
The Downtown Revitalization Playbook micro-site was created for changemakers who want to be a catalyst for downtown development – building thriving cultural and economically-abundant city centers. The Playbook helps stakeholders speak the same language of investment, identifies key factors that enable investments to be successful, and provides examples of real investments that are leading to downtown revitalization in Central Appalachia. The Playbook site also includes an assessment tool to assist anyone in determining their needs and readiness to start developing their downtowns.
Guided by a coalition of regional leaders, ADDI is designed as a coordinated, ecosystem-based approach that supports community-centered downtown revitalization and long-term economic growth.
This book, available online and in print, shares what we’ve learned and where we’re headed. It reflects a growing movement grounded in collaboration, fueled by local vision, and committed to creating lasting opportunity through community-rooted downtown development.
Content to come…
Caroline’s role: Findings, projects, reporting- whatever shape this takes on the comms side
Field Notes: Showing the Work
Work we want to amplify from the sector/ region/ field
Our own insights/ reflectionsReference point:
Will pull from a Post Category called Field Notes
Invest Appalachia’s staff and operations have been directly impacted by Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Thanks for your understanding with any delays in normal communications.
We are headquartered in Western NC, and involved in local recovery efforts as well as investment strategies to rebuild for long-term resilience and equity. Any financial contributions to Invest Appalachia will go directly to recovery and rebuilding efforts in impacted communities.