Hi Paul – it can seem like there is no plan when things are looking dire. It’s no small thing for the region that all these coal jobs are being lost. However, there are lots of people and organizations working really hard on plans for economic transition that they believe will work to make eastern Kentucky communities thrive again. One of those organizations is the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development. Another is Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. Both groups are developing plans for energy efficiency and entrepreneurship training, and investment in existing and emerging economic sectors in the region that could become economic drivers. There are dozens more organizations working on the same thing. InVision Hazard and Pathfinders of Hazard and Perry County are two more localized groups that are trying to develop strategic community development plans for Hazard and Perry County. These more local groups exist in counties across the region. So, while things are looking really rough right now, there is hope. Many people are working tirelessly every day to make positive, transformative, sustainable and equitable change happen in the region.