DiscoverReimagine RuralS3E3 Hazard, Kentucky's civic renaissance is changing the narrative about Appalachia
S3E3 Hazard, Kentucky's civic renaissance is changing the narrative about Appalachia

S3E3 Hazard, Kentucky's civic renaissance is changing the narrative about Appalachia

Update: 2025-08-19
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Hazard, Kentucky, is overcoming the decline of its coal industry and the impact of the opioid epidemic, creating a vibrant downtown business district and renewed civic spirit. In this episode, Tony Pipa visits the Queen City of the Mountains to meet the people who decided downtown was worth fighting for and understand how they brought it back to life.

Also, see Tony's interview with Ryan Eller, executive director of Appalachia Funders Network, as they explore the powerful ways that narratives—both positive and negative—can shape a community’s identity and future, and the role philanthropy and policy can play in enabling sustainability and prosperity in Central Appalachia.

Episode transcript and show notes.

Reimagine Rural is part of the Brookings Podcast Network. Subscribe and listen wherever you listen to podcasts. Send feedback to podcasts@brookings.edu.

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S3E3 Hazard, Kentucky's civic renaissance is changing the narrative about Appalachia

S3E3 Hazard, Kentucky's civic renaissance is changing the narrative about Appalachia