Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
The Future of Appalachian Migration
Session Abstract or Summary
Much has been written about the history of Appalachian migration; this panel will consider its future. Is population stability a new motif across Appalachia, or can another wave of migrants be expected to begin flowing from the region
Out-migration was a key demographic feature of the Appalachian region throughout the 20th century. In the early decades of the 21st century, however, migration streams have subsided to the point where out-migration is negligible. Much of last century’s population movement was associated with economic highs and lows in the coalfields as well as the availability of job opportunities outside the region. More recently, census data show 86.1 percent of Appalachian residents did not move and another 11.2 percent moved within the region. During the same period only 2.6 percent of the region’s population moved out of Appalachia. Clearly, the factors affecting Appalachian migration have undergone significant change since the Great Migration.
Matthew Klesta will discuss the economic factors (e.g. unemployment) that might impel a new outmigration from the Appalachian coalfields, as well as factors (e.g. social safety net programs) that might influence people to remain in the region. If people are migrating for work, where are the new jobs located?
Peter Hille will examine economic development initiatives that provide alternatives to migration. How are Appalachian communities best sustained? What are the factors that enable people to avoid migration?
Sarah Ehresman will use Appalachian Kentucky as a case study of the demographic issues involved. Is there an inflection point where an aging population, low birth rates, and high mortality rates affect population mobility? What is the role of in-migration in replenishing the population of the region?
Presentation #1 Title
Introduction
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Phillip Obermiller will introduce the topic and the presenters
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Senior Visiting Scholar, School of Planning, University of Cincinnati
Presentation #2 Title
Pushed to Leave, pulled to stay: Factors influencing current Appalachian migration
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
Matthew Klesta will discuss the economic factors (e.g. unemployment) that might impel a new outmigration from the Appalachian coalfields, as well as factors (e.g. social safety net programs) that might influence people to remain in the region. If people are migrating for work, where are the new jobs located?
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Matthew Klesta is a Policy Analyst in the Community Development Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Presentation #3 Title
Livable Communities: Gateway to a New Economy
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
Peter Hille will examine economic development initiatives that provide alternatives to migration. How are Appalachian communities best sustained? What are the factors that enable people to avoid migration?
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Peter Hille is president of the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development based in Berea, KY.
Presentation #4 Title
The Demographic Future of Appalachian Kentucky
Presentation #4 Abstract or Summary
Sarah Ehresman will use Appalachian Kentucky as a case study of the demographic issues that affect in- and out-migration. Is there an inflection point where an aging population, low birth rates, and high mortality rates affect population mobility? What is the role of in-migration in replenishing the population of the region?
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Sarah Ehresman is a Research Coordinator at the Kentucky State Data Center, University of Louisville.
Presentation #5 Title
Respondent
Presentation #5 Abstract or Summary
William Philliber will summarize and think critically about the presentations.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #5
William Philliber is the Managing Partner of New York-based Philliber Research and Evaluation
Conference Subthemes
Migration, Economic Development
Introduction
Phillip Obermiller will introduce the topic and the presenters
