NACo's Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) initiative serves coal communities seeking to revitalize and diversify their economies. Supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA), BRECC is a knowledge-sharing community of practice. BRECC's activities connect coal communities across the nation, support local leaders and build capacity in under-resourced communities. As a result, BRECC prepares communities to advance new approaches and projects for economic diversification.

BRECC Components

The BRECC National Network is an open forum and peer network connecting coal community leaders representing local governments, regional organizations, community nonprofits, education and workforce providers, utilities, private business and other local stakeholders. The BRECC National Network convenes bi-monthly for virtual learning sessions featuring issue-specific presentations, peer breakout discussions, community case examples, and critical funding and resources available to coal communities.

All coal community stakeholders are welcome to join the BRECC National Network. To become part of the National Network, sign-up here.

To join the BRECC Online Community Platform, sign up here. Login to the site here

BRECC's Commitment Coalition

BRECC’s Commitment Coalition is a peer network of 20 coal community leaders, who deepen their knowledge of economic resilience through national subject matter experts as well as their counterparts’ community-based experiences. Selectees represent local, regional and state government entities as well as the nonprofit and private sectors. Over two years, the selected leaders will attend in-person site convenings and virtual workshops and share their experiences through BRECC’s national storytelling platform.

NACo proudly announces the following Commitment Coalition members and their corresponding coal community counties and states: 

1. Stephen Allen, Liaison, South Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation, Lincoln County, Wyo. 

2. Jim Atchison, Executive Director, Southeastern Montana Development Corporation, Mont. 

3. Stuart Clason, Regional Growth Director, Utah Regional Growth Association, counties of Carbon and Emery, Utah

4. Dr. Sandra Curd, Promise Zone Coordinator, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, USDA Rural Partners Network, counties of Bell, Clay, Harlan, Knox, Leslie, Letcher, Perry and Whitley, Ky.

5. Jenna Draper, Economic Development Director, Six County Association of Governments, counties of Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier and Wayne, Utah

6. Sharon Fain, Vice President, PacifiCorp/Rocky Mountain Power, counties of Lincoln, Converse, Sweetwater and Campbell, Wyo. and Emery County, Utah

7. Cora Gnegy, Tourism Director, Giles County, Va.

8. Hon. Steve Henry, Judge/Executive, Webster County, Ky.

9. Hon. Marc Kiehna, Commissioner, Randolph County, Ill. 

10. Hon. Bryan Davis, Commissioner, Scioto County, Ohio. 

11. Hon. Dan Mosley, Judge/Executive, Harlan County, Ky. 

12. Will Payne, Managing Partner of Coalfield Strategies, counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe, Va. 

13. Councilperson Gabe Pena, Fayetteville Town Council, Fayetteville County, W.Va. 

14. Hon. Greg Puckett, Commissioner, Mercer County, W.Va.

15. Nicole Smude, Economic Development Coordinator, City of Becker, Minn. 

16. Dr. Mark Sarver, Associate Professor of Business and Workforce Learning, Glenville State University, USDA Rural Partners Network, counties of Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, Gilmer, Nicholas, Roane, Webster         and Wirt, W.Va., and Mayor of the City of Glenville, W.Va.

17. Hon. Tammy Tincher, Commissioner, Greenbrier County, W.Va.

18. Hon. Sean Swope, Commissioner, Lewis County, Wash.

19. Hon. Melody Villard, Commissioner, Moffat County, Colo.

20. Carla Vita, Director of Energy Transition, Minnesota Department of Economic Development, counties of Chippewa, Otter Trail, St. Louis, Cook, Sherburne, Itasca and Washington, Minn.

What do Coalition leaders do?

Selected leaders participate in:

  • Travel to four peer exchange site visits hosted by a Coalition community and designed to highlight successful programs and projects for economic diversification
  • A monthly virtual learning series with subject matter experts featuring strategies for recovery from coal's decline, including topics on investing and funding streams, workforce training, economic planning opportunities, community development strategies, broadband project management, federal agency resources, automation and employment and COVID-19 recovery 
  • Peer exchanges where leaders will be paired with a community from a different region to share advice and generate new ideas 
  • Public engagement activities to share learning and strategies with home communities 
  • A storytelling campaign to share local experiences and initiatives with a national audiences, including a blog post on the application of key concepts 
  • Cross-network integration mixers where leaders will have the opportunity to connect with other communities engaged in economic diversification efforts, such as textile communities
  • The broader BRECC National Network virtual convenings with local, regional, state and federal coal community stakeholders, and 
  • In-person workshops at the BRECC Summit taking place at the end of the program period 

Benefits of the Coalition

Selected leaders:

  • Gain an increased understanding of economic diversification strategies within coal communities and methods for local implementation 
  • Discover new economic development projects, resources and approaches for replication within their community
  • Build relationships with and learn from coal community leaders across U.S. regions, and
  • Connect and share resources through the broader BRECC National Network's virtual convenings with local, regional, state and federal coal community stakeholders.

BRECC's Action Challenge 

BRECC's Action Challenge is a technical assistance program that empowers local leaders to identify and advance projects for economic revitalization and diversification. The Action Challenge connects community teams with economic development experts from NACo’s BRECC partners the West Virginia Community Development Hub, EntreWorks Consulting and Community Builders. For one year, the selected teams receive one-on-one coaching to develop a locally-driven economic diversification strategy. On February 9, 2024, the eight community teams as part of the BRECC Action Challenge Cohort 1 presented their locally-driven economic diversification strategies to federal and policy partners. Read more about their economic diversification plans below. 

NACo proudly recognizes the following community teams participating in the first Cohort of BRECC’s Action Challenge:

Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, Va.: In southwestern Virginia, the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission is a regional Economic Development District serving the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell. With a regional approach, this team seeks to grow economic resilience through entrepreneurship and business development strategies. Read their economic diversification plan here

City of Richwood, Nicolas County, W.Va.: In central West Virginia, the City of Richwood is experiencing population loss tied to the decline of the local coal industry. Building on natural assets, this team looks to expand its outdoor recreation economy with a special focus on a local trail network. Read their economic diversification plan here

Counties of Apache, Coconino and Navajo, Ariz.: In Northern Arizona, the counties of Apache, Coconino and Navajo face the closure and decommissioning of several coal-fired power plants. Collaborating across county borders, this team will coordinate planning to create a complimentary, shared strategy for economic diversification. Read their economic diversification plan  here

Floyd County, Ky.: In eastern Kentucky, Floyd County has seen a decline in coal production over the past three decades and recent flooding has exacerbated economic hardships. Led by a newly created long-term recovery group, this team will pursue opportunities in outdoor and cultural tourism as well as residential attraction. Read their economic diversification plan here. 

Pike County, Ind.: In southwestern Indiana, Pike County’s employment and tax base are closely tied to a coal-fired plant slated to be decommissioned. This team will create a local strategy around business attraction and workforce retention goals. Read their economic diversification plan here

Perry County, Ohio: Perry County is facing the impact of its last two mines closing. This team will advance planning for placemaking economic development strategies. Read their economic diversification plan  here

Northwest Colorado Development Council, Colo.: In Northwest Colorado, the Northwest Colorado Development Council serves the counties of Rio Blanco, Moffat and Routt, which faces the impending closure of two coal-fired power plants. In partnership with a regional community college, this team will expand on strategies for advancing clean energy initiatives. Read their economic diversification plan here.

San Juan County, N.M.: In northwest New Mexico, San Juan County is experiencing the closure of one coal-fired power plant and faces the impending closure of another. In partnership with Four Corners Economic Development, this team will advance strategies for workforce redevelopment and business expansion. Read their economic diversification plan here

Learn more about the seven communities competitively selected for Cohort 2 of the BRECC Action Challenge here. The 2024 BRECC Action Challenge communities are:

Campbell County, Wyo.: In northeastern Wyoming, Campbell County is recognized as a leading producer of coal within the United States. Planning with county stakeholders, this team will pursue economic diversification strategies connected to industry expansion and energy production.

Counties of Pendleton and Grant, W.Va.: In northeastern West Virginia, the counties of Pendleton and Grant recently formed a joint economic development entity, the Seneca Rocks Regional Development Authority. Collaborating across county borders, this team will pursue strategies to offer training to displaced coal workers and expand rural business development.  

Forest County, Pa.: In northwest Pennsylvania, Forest County is experiencing declines in employment connected to the closure of a coal mine and related coal-related industries. Partnering with the local school system and regional council of governments, the Forest County team will pursue strategies to expand and diversify employment opportunities across the county.  

Counties of Mason, Tazewell and Peoria, Ill.: In central Illinois, the counties of Mason, Tazewell and Peoria have been impacted by the closure of three coal-fired power plants across the region. Led by the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, this team seeks to pursue regional economic diversification strategies related to workforce transitions and clean energy development.  

Counties of Montrose and San Miguel, Colo.: Located in the west end of southwest Colorado, Montrose and San Miguel Counties lost half of their property tax base and many residents due to the closure of power plant and local mining operation. Led by the West End Economic Development Corporation, this team will work to revive three mining towns through place-based strategies and business expansion opportunities.  

Monroe County, Ga.: Located in central Georgia, Monroe County’s employment and tax base are closely tied to a coal-fired power plant slated to be decommissioned. This team looks to learn from fellow coal-impacted communities to implement transition strategies and pursue opportunities to diversify power generation.  

Somerset County, Pa.: In the southwest corner of Pennsylvania, Somerset County is currently home to 18 mining operators. Downturns in the coal industry have resulted in job loss and adverse impacts on local businesses, specifically suppliers of mining equipment. This team seeks to support impacted employees and businesses by pursuing strategies to attract new and retain existing companies.  

BRECC Learning Series

The BRECC National Network will convene bi-monthly virtual learning sessions each featuring issue-specific presentations, peer breakout discussions, community case examples, and critical funding and resources available to coal communities. National Network sessions will cover topics including economic diversification and strategic planning, place-based economic revitalization, infrastructure investments, workforce solutions, entrepreneurial ecosystems and business development and sustainability and funding planning.

Durango, CO with the train next to the river
Webinar

Think Outside the Box: Coal Communities Embracing New Roles to Spark Economic Development

Coal-impacted counties are taking on new roles to promote economic development in their communities. Join the BRECC National Network this September to learn how counties are stepping into innovative sectors and pursuing unique projects to diversify their local economy.

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Webinar

Powerful Partnerships: How Coal Communities and Utility Companies are Working Together

Join the BRECC National Network this July and learn how utility providers and local governments are working together to mitigate and respond to economic shocks. 

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Webinar

Beautifying Brownfields: An Unexpected Opportunity for Your Coal Community

Join the BRECC National Network this May and learn how key federal resources can support innovative brownfield redevelopment projects in energy communities.

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Webinar

A Bright Future: Preserving Coal Community Assets with Solar Opportunities

Join NACo’s Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) National Network for a learning session focused on the benefits and challenges of solar energy innovation in coal communities.

Solar panels
Webinar

Economic Transition Strategies from Coal Communities Across the Globe

Join NACo’s Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) National Network for this collaborative webinar with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Manufacturing
Webinar

Boosting Career Opportunities in Coal and Manufacturing Communities

Join NACo’s Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) National Network and Counties for Career Success (C4CS) initiatives for this collaborative webinar that showcases successful programs in coal and manufacturing communities.

Rural Hospital
Webinar

BRECC National Network Learning Series: The Nuts and Bolts of Community Benefits Plans

Join BRECC’s National Network Session and learn how Community Benefits Plans can help ensure new energy projects contribute to local and equitable prosperity.

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Webinar

Jump Right In: Where to Start in Your Coal Community

Join the BRECC National Network to gain access to virtual learning sessions designed to help your coal community plan for a more resilient local economy. 

Small town
Webinar

BRECC National Network: Shaping your Coal Community’s Approach to Economic Diversification

This webinar outlined a Place Value framework for creating more diverse and resilient economies. Community Builders shared how their work in the West supports developing a unique and localized economic toolbox for communities facing coal transition.

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Webinar

Crafted by Communities: A Framework for Economic Transition

This session presents the three pillars for coal community revitalization and highlights resources from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE).

 

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Webinar

Exploring Outdoor Recreation as a Component of Economic Diversification

Join the BRECC National Network for a conversation on outdoor recreation as a viable component to build a robust, diverse local economy.

BRECC Storytelling

Grace Blanchard, Senior Program Manager for BRECC advocating for county priorities.
News

BRECC Engaging in Dynamic Dialogue with the Energy Communities IWG

This page provides a summary of the Energy Communities IWG. 

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News

San Juan County, N.M. Navigates Workforce Training and Industry Expansion

BRECC Partner, Community Builders, captured this coal community story in San Juan County, New Mexico. Read more here.

Corey Ringenberg, special initiatives director for Coconino County, Ariz., compares his team’s business development strategy to the book and film “Moneyball,” encouraging communities to just get ‘on base’ and not try to hit home runs. Photo by Jorge Rodriguez-Stanley
County News

Coal counties search for a crystal ball to their futures

The transition from a coal-reliant community is not just an economic adjustment, it's a cultural transformation.

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Press Release

Seven Coal Communities Selected to Receive Support Through National Initiative

National Association of Counties announces participants in Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities Action Challenge

A soon to be retired power plant.
Advocacy

Coal Power Plant Closures Spur Regional Response in Northwest Colorado

The three counties that form the northwest corner of Colorado — Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt — share a history shaped by the coal, oil and natural gas industries. As the coal industry declines across the region, they now also share the same economic challenges. 

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County News

BRECC visits Southwest Virginia counties

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Advocacy

Looking beyond economic assets to find your community’s 'sweet spot'

Place value framework emphasizes asset based economic development that leverages and enhances local place-based assets, amenities and resources.

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County News

Participants announced to receive specialized technical assistance through NACo’s Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities Initiative

NACo announces the final selection of communities and local leaders to participate in the Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) initiative.

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County News

Even a ‘Colstrip’ has economic options

Sign Up for the BRECC National Network

To become part of the National Network and receive updates on all BRECC programming, sign up using the form.

Support

BRECC is operated by the National Association of Counties using federal funds under award ED22HDQ3070080 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.