Appalachia's Bright Future: A Conversation on Shaping a Just Transition

A CONVERSATION ON SHAPING A JUST TRANSITION

Eastern Kentucky's economy is changing fast, but our future is unwritten.

We believe we have the opportunity to move forward together, to build a new economy here in the mountains – a diverse, homegrown economy good for all people.

We can generate new jobs, new businesses, and new opportunities for the workers, families and young people of eastern Kentucky.

It won't be easy, but we can have a bright future here, if we build it.

We believe it’s essential that the transition to the new economy is a just transition – one that celebrates our culture and invests in communities and workers who depend on the old economy. We have many assets here.

Our goal is to develop opportunities for our people, for eastern Kentucky, to thrive.

In April of 2013 in Harlan County, Kentucky, we had a conversation about the opportunities and challenges we face in our state and region as we work together to build the next economy here in eastern Kentucky.

This three-day gathering in Harlan featured information on the changing economy, lessons from other regions that have gone through transition, and examples of entrepreneurs and communities beginning to build our bright future.  

Appalachia's Bright Future Conference

April 19 - 21, 2013