The
Vitality of West Virginia’s Downtowns
Introduction
Like many places across the country, downtowns in
West Virginia have experienced years of decline. But
they are now on the upswing as more and more municipalities
recognize the economic and social value of their downtowns
as commercial, civic, and government centers.
People in small towns and cities
across the state are beginning to realize that the
unique identity and sense of place their downtowns
represent are worth preserving and developing. Unlike
the homogenous, placeless, retail sprawl created by
malls and big-box retail areas, a distinctive downtown
has the opportunity to become a place where people
can connect with their heritage and find a sense of
community.
In municipalities across the state, local government
leaders, nonprofits, and civic organizations are initiating
downtown revitalization projects aimed at improving
the economic climate of their downtowns, attracting
new businesses, and creating an attractive, interesting
environment where people feel comfortable and safe;
in short, a place where they are willing to visit and
spend time in addition to just doing business.
The Downtown Revitalization Team at West Virginia
University Extension Service conducted
a statewide survey to gain a more comprehensive outlook
on the economic conditions, revitalization projects,
services provided by municipal government, tourism
activities, business development and promotional activities,
issues, and training and organizational needs of downtowns.
The findings contained
in this report provide a summary of those conditions
and a roadmap for future program development to help
facilitate downtown revitalization initiatives and
to address the needs of downtown revitalization organizations.
The findings also provide a snapshot of some of the
impacts resulting from downtown revitalization projects
across West Virginia.
Download
the The Vitality of West Virginia’s
Downtowns Survey Report (816KB PDF)
If you have questions about the report or would like
more information, please contact
Alison Hanham via e-mail at ACHanham@mail.wvu.edu or
by calling (304) 293-6131, ext. 4207.
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