OUR
COAL COMMUNITIES

In 2022, Arizona’s Apache, Navajo, and Coconino counties joined together with local partners on a team that applied for and was competitively selected to participate in the Building Resilient Economies Coal Communities technical assistance program, known as the Action Challenge. This program was funded by the U.S. Economic Development Agency.

Through the year-long process the team sought to identify strategies that could bring together economic development entities across the region in shared priorities and initiatives. By combining their limited capacity and urgent needs, the counties seek to accrue numerous small victories and build momentum in diversifying the regional economy.

The Northern Arizona team undertook a one-year planning process that included conducting a community assessment, identifying goals and opportunities, developing projects and establishing action steps. BRECC Economic Diversification Strategies has helped align stakeholders and foster collaboration, build consensus around priorities and provide a roadmap for broadening economic drivers and advancing revitalization.

• The BRECC Executive Summary is the best place to start as you seek programs, resources and proven methods for diversifying coal communities.
• The BRECC Diversification Plan is full of programs, projects and funding opportunities which will help to rebuild local economies in the wake of the coal-fired power plant closures in our area. Please see links below.