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Mountain Association

Building a New Economy, Together.

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Communities

How we support communities

The Mountain Association works closely with communities in Eastern Kentucky to help bring great ideas to life.

Do you need to talk through how to move your community forward? Let’s grab a cup of coffee or an Ale-8. Contact Betsy Whaley, Director of Strategic Initiatives, at betsy@mtassociation.org.

“For Jackson, the Community Accelerator work has gotten more people involved in leadership. People have stepped up to do things who
weren’t necessarily active in the community before.”

Gregory Lakes, Jackson County Community Leader
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Grow

Accelerating Community Change

Communities in Eastern Kentucky know best what the gaps are in their local economy. We listen to communities and often help design unique and place-based interventions in economic sectors that fill gaps and demonstrate what’s possible in the region’s new economy. 

Learn more about these opportunities

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Revitalize

Long-Term Investment in Change

Our long-term collaborative work in Hazard clearly illustrates the value of community development projects and programs that demonstrate the new economy.

Learn more about our Hazard projects

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Join

Collaborative Networks

We believe we can do more when we work together. The Mountain Association is a founding member and partner in both the Central Appalachian Network and the What’s Next EKY?! Network.

If you want to be a part of regional efforts and build links in your community, come join us.

Learn more about networks

Success Stories

Learn how community members are building a new economy in their towns.

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Meanwhile in Appalachia

At the end of March, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Appalachian Studies Conference in Cookeville, Tennessee. The beginning of 2025 has been a little chaotic here where…

Read Meanwhile in Appalachia

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Preserving the CDFI Fund

Our Statement on the Importance of Preserving the CDFI Fund After March 14 Executive Order   Last Friday’s Executive Order affecting the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund directly impacts…

Read Preserving the CDFI Fund

red+river gorge economic development

Understanding the Economic Impact of Recreation on Community Well-being and Sustainable Growth

This article is part of a series by Eastern Kentucky University graduate students and their professor, Michael Bradley, as they study recreation and its impact on economic development. Understanding how…

Read Understanding the Economic Impact of Recreation on Community Well-being and Sustainable Growth


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How Kentucky Communities Can Benefit As Large-Scale Solar Comes to Town

This is an op-ed that appeared in several Kentucky outlets in December 2024. As Eastern Kentucky’s energy landscape becomes more diversified, solar has the potential to create substantial community benefits,…

Read How Kentucky Communities Can Benefit As Large-Scale Solar Comes to Town

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We’re Still Here

One of the first activities that I participated in when I started as Mountain Association’s Outreach Specialist was the Native American Heritage Festival held at Cumberland Falls, which featured three…

Read We’re Still Here

East KEntucky Childcare Network helps counter child care deserts in Eastern KEntucky

Investing in Childcare in Eastern Kentucky

In Eastern Kentucky, accessing high quality childcare presents unique challenges for parents and caregivers. Childcare is a fundamental building block of a thriving community so parents can participate in the…

Read Investing in Childcare in Eastern Kentucky

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Established in 1976. Prior to 2020, we were known as the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED).

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BEREA
(859) 986-2373
433 Chestnut Street
Berea, KY 40403

Meetings by appointment only

info@mtassociation.org

We are happy to make any accommodation
to better serve you. We have an on-staff
Spanish interpreter, and provide
additional free language/
interpretation services as needed.

If hearing or speech impaired,
please dial 7-1-1 for relay
services prior to calling.

HAZARD
(606) 439-0170
420 Main St
Hazard, KY 41701

PRESTONSBURG
(606) 264-5910
268 E Friend St, Ste 101
Prestonsburg, KY 41653

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