National Association of Counties
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.
Join the BRECC National Network. 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.
More information on the BRECC initiative is available here.
Webinars in this series include:
BRECC National Network #1 | Jump Right In: Where to Start in Your Coal CommunityThursday, January 26th |
This first session showcased efforts in Colstrip, Montana to organize stakeholders, involve community members and create an actionable plan to balance and diversify its coal-based economy. The session also highlighted timely resources available through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the U.S. Department of Energy and the Just Transition Fund. Speakers:
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BRECC National Network #2 | Shape your Coal Community’s Approach to Economic DiversificationThursday, March 23, 2023 | 3 - 4 p.m. EDT |
This session outlined a Place Value asset-based 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. This session showcased how the sister cities of Smithers and Montgomery, W. Va. leveraged their unique assets and restored connections to spark new life and economic opportunity in their communities. Speakers:
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BRECC National Network #3 | Crafted by Communities: A Framework for Economic TransitionThursday, May 25, 2023 | 3 - 4 p.m. EDT |
Explore three pillars for your coal community’s revitalization. Touching on market expansion, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements, the Just Transition Fund will introduce a framework to help coal communities be comprehensive and forward-thinking during times of economic distress. This session will also feature the Office of Surface Mine Reclamation and Enforcement, speaking to Abandoned Mine Land (AML) and Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding sources. Speakers:
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BRECC National Network #4 | Exploring Outdoor Recreation as a Component for Economic DiversificationThursday, July 27, 2023 | 3 - 4 p.m. EDT |
Join us for a conversation on outdoor recreation as a viable component to build a robust, diverse local economy. Learn more about research trends linked to outdoor recreation economic development, small business ecosystems and resources that could support coal communities. Participants will learn from a collective of rural communities, all located in or near a national forest region, working together towards economic growth and quality of life while striving to maintain their unique cultural identities. Speakers:
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BRECC National Network #5 | The Nuts and Bolts of Community Benefits PlansThursday, September 28, 2023 | 3 - 4 p.m. EDT |
Join BRECC’s National Network Session and learn how Community Benefits Plans can help ensure new energy projects contribute to local and equitable prosperity. This session will cover the key components and local levers to create meaningful Community Benefits Plans between private developers and community residents. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) requires Community Benefits Plans as part of all BIL and IRA funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) and loan applications. Speakers:
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BRECC National Network #6Thursday, November 16, 2023 | 3 - 4 p.m. EDT |
Description TBD. Moderator:
Speakers: |
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.
<p>Is your coal community navigating clean energy investments? Join BRECC’s National Network Session and learn how Community Benefits Plans can help ensure new energy projects contribute to local and equitable prosperity.
<p>Hurricanes, wildfires, economic collapse, and other disasters can be natural or man-made, acute or long-term, foreseeable or unpredictable.
<p>Responsible for all matters pertaining to housing, community and economic development, public works, and workforce development including the creation of affordable housing and housing options for different populations, residential,
<p>Responsible for all matters pertaining to air, water, energy, and land use, including water resources/management, stormwater, pesticides, air quality standards, solid, hazardous, and nuclear waste handling, transport, and disposal,
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