The New Economy Network is a group of local residents that focuses on sustainable economic development and transition in Southwest Virginia’s coalfields.

The New Economy Network serves as an open forum for groups and individuals engaged in economic development, diversification, and transition work in the seven counties in far Southwest Virginia. The network is open to any person who is interested in participating and who shares our common principles. To join, contact emma@appvoices.org or join the Google Group.

Common Principles:

Participants in the New Economy Network agree that these common principles bring us together and guide the conversations and actions we take as a group:

1. Sustainable economic growth and development is necessarily intertwined with sound environmental stewardship.
2. Issues of economic and environmental justice should always be considered and valued when making decisions about the future of our region.
3. We are stronger through collaboration.
4. Everyone’s voice and perspective is important and will be given equal consideration in discussions and decisions.

Goals:

Founding members have outlined four bedrock goals for the network:

1. To provide a space for individuals across our region to collaborate and share information on issues relevant to the scope of NEN.
2. To elevate our commonly held issues on a regional and state level, and to influence decision-makers to include the perspective of local communities and stakeholders in their economic policies.
3. To build community-level power and influence by representing the New Economy Network throughout the state and region as a collaborative of individuals/groups that speaks for and lifts up our commonly held principles and goals.
4. To grow the number of interested and engaged individuals who actively participate in the network.

Current Focus Areas

The New Economy Network is focusing on increasing equitable land access, connecting local changemakers to work towards common goals, and increasing community engagement and participation in community projects. 

Increasing equitable land access

Central Appalachia has a long history of inequitable distribution of land ownership and the under-taxation of large, out-of-state landholding corporations. The network is currently a partner on an ARISE grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to conduct outreach and engagement to address barriers to accurate and accessible county GIS land records in the region. Lack of access to these records hinders economic development.

Transparency with local government

Our local governments are incredibly important when it comes to applying for grants, building productive partnerships, and creating a vision for SWVA. With that in mind, Network participants want to ensure that there is as much transparency as possible surrounding government offices so that all residents are empowered to participate in local government. 

Increasing community engagement and participation in community projects 

Ensuring that community members have influence over new development projects, especially those that impact them, is a foundational tenet of a just transition. Part of the Network’s role is to elevate opportunities for folks to get involved in projects and community developments. 

Meetings:

The Network meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. to discuss upcoming events and actions. Stay up-to-date by joining our email group.

2025 Monthly NEN meetings: January 15, February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17