Stewards VISTA: Floyd County Economic Development VISTA Y1

Overview

Floyd County, in the heart of Eastern Kentucky, has long contributed to America’s energy independence through coal production. With a population of roughly 35,000 and a housing shortage exceeding 1,400 units, the county is pursuing practical, community‑led solutions. In 2022, Floyd County was selected as one of eight communities to participate in the BRECC initiative to build more resilient and diverse local economies.

Support from the West Virginia Hub helped craft a strategic Economic Diversification Plan focused on business development, housing, infrastructure, and workforce readiness. We are now looking for a motivated VISTA to help put this plan into action, including supporting affordable housing, launching workforce training programs, repurposing brownfield properties for new uses, and designing a Community Resilience Hub. The VISTA will also support efforts to identify cost‑saving infrastructure improvements, including utility efficiency initiatives that can ease the burden on low‑income families.

• Support the development of affordable housing and launch workforce training programs.
• Repurpose brownfield properties for new uses and design a Community Resilience Hub.
• Identify cost‑saving infrastructure improvements, including utility efficiency initiatives.
• Coordinate local economic planning through the Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities initiative.
• Work with the Floyd County Fiscal Court and local stakeholders to prioritize projects that strengthen small businesses, expand workforce opportunities, address housing needs, and improve infrastructure.
• Identify and prepare redevelopment sites, track funding opportunities, and develop planning documents to move projects forward.
• Produce deliverables such as a prioritized project list from the county’s Economic Plan and an asset map of properties ready for reuse.

• Interest in economic development, project management, and community resilience.
• Education:
  
  College graduate.
• Age:
  Minimum 18 years; no maximum specified.
• Languages:
  
  English.
• Skills:
  
  Community organization, leadership, business/entrepreneurship, environment, fundraising/grant writing, teamwork.

Program Type:
Ameri Corps VISTA — Stewards VISTA:
Floyd County Economic Development VISTA Y1.

Program Start/End Date: 01/12/2026 – 01/11/2027.

Work Schedule:

Full Time.

Benefits include Childcare assistance (if eligible), Relocation Allowance, Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend, Health Coverage, and Stipend.

Program

Location:

KENTUCKY;

Languages:

English.

Accepting Applications: 11/19/2025 to 01/30/2026.

Contact:
Addie Gilkerson
330 Harper Park Dr
Beckley, WV 25801

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).
-vista