Ariel Fugate
Communications Manager
(859) 302-3868; ariel@mtassociation.org
Mountain Association Releases New Strategic Plan to Guide Their Work in Eastern Kentucky Through 2030
BEREA, Kentucky (July 14, 2025)— The Mountain Association has announced the release of a new five-year strategic plan to guide their community economic development work in Eastern Kentucky through 2030.
This new plan, developed over the past year through in-depth engagement with staff and board members, builds on the organization’s 50-year legacy of supporting a diversified economy in the region. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the Mountain Association has played a key role in financing and supporting local businesses, helping people find energy cost savings, and informing policy decisions to benefit communities across Appalachia.
“Over the last year, we’ve taken a hard look at where we’ve been, where our region is headed, and how we must evolve to meet growing challenges,” said Robin Gabbard, President of the Mountain Association. “This new plan reflects not only the urgency of the moment around priority areas like affordable housing, quality childcare, and disaster preparation—but also our deep belief in the power of Appalachian people and places to build a stronger and brighter future.”
Since 2020, the Mountain Association has financed 631 small businesses and nonprofits with nearly $30 million in investments, while providing technical assistance to help them grow and thrive. Its energy work has facilitated more than 70 solar projects and 176 energy efficiency upgrades, which are saving residents, businesses, and organizations over $660,000 annually in utility costs. The nonprofit has also partnered with communities on local projects from murals to downtown festivals.
Despite this progress, they recognize the significant and evolving challenges facing the region, including a rising cost of living, shortages of affordable housing and quality childcare, and the growing impacts of extreme weather. The new strategic plan outlines their approach to better support Appalachian communities in these areas in the years ahead.
“This plan is both a roadmap and an invitation,” Gabbard said. “We hope it inspires partners and community members to join us in building an economy and future that works for all of Eastern Kentucky.”
The full strategic plan is now available on the Mountain Association’s website: https://mtassociation.org/publications
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About the Mountain Association:
The Mountain Association is a nonprofit that invests in people and places in Eastern Kentucky in order to build a new economy. As a Community Development Financial Institution, their Lending Team offers flexible loans to existing and startup businesses and organizations, lending to those who may not qualify with traditional lenders. Their Business Support program connects business owners and nonprofit leaders to consultants who can help them succeed in areas like website development, social media marketing, and more. Their Energy experts help businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies find much-needed cost savings through energy efficiency and solar assessments, grant application support and financing. The Mountain Association also does research, communications and advocacy for policy and narrative change, and works with partners on a variety of projects to demonstrate what’s possible in Eastern Kentucky. For more information, visit www.mtassociation.org.
