One of the main benefits of the Promise Zone was assistance in connecting local organizations with federal resources. The new Kentucky Highlands Community Network has stepped into that role through the Rural Partners Network.
This USDA-led initiative is a first-of-its-kind, all-of-government program that will help rural communities access government resources and funding to create jobs, build infrastructure and support long-term economic stability.
Participation already is under way in two key economic initiatives:
- KHIC was one of 20 organizations from across the nation selected to participate in a two-year educational journey organized by the National Association of Counties to address economic development in coal communities. Called BRECC (Building Resilient Economies from Coal Communities Coalition), this group meets bi-monthly, shares best practices and receives guidance on economic diversification strategies.
- It is serving on the Eastern Kentucky Rapid Response Team, led by the Appalachian Regional Commission and staffed with federal, state and regional partners, including members of the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization. The team works with communities impacted by the coal industry to address worker and community needs. It identifies economic transformation and revitalization goals. This multi-government approach will maximize the investment of federal agencies in community outreach and economic diversification.
The Rural Partners Network has two full-time employees working in the Kentucky Highlands Community Network, which includes the Promise Zone counties of Bell, Clay, Harlan, Knox, Leslie, Letcher, Perry and Whitley.