West Virginia Is the Canary in America’s Infrastructure Coal Mine

West Virginia’s $1.6 billion Road to Prosperity program was supposed to cover maintenance costs and reignite economic growth. Seven years later, the money’s gone and the situation has gotten worse.

How a Walk About Nothing Can Change Everything About Public Engagement

To create change, you need community engagement. Unfortunately, many cities have complicated systems for engagement that take a lot of time and effort to work with. Here's how one community in West Virginia is cutting through that red tape.

Community Stories, Top StoryEdward ErfurtJanuary 10, 2025walkability, public engagement, city government, advocacy, west virginia

West Virginia City Offers Doctor’s Notes So Commuters Can Avoid Road Closure

When a vital commuter route was scheduled for a 90-day closure, this city made the most of the situation by encouraging would-be commuters to spend time in downtown, instead.

Community Stories, Top StorySeairra JonesAugust 30, 2023commuting, Third Places, west virginia, downtown

The Bottom-Up Revolution is... Architects and Planners in Pursuit of a Stronger Town

Strong Towns member Michael Smith and colleague Aaron Holverson are working to make Rockford, IL a more economically resilient place.

The Bottom-Up Revolution is... Supporting and Developing Rural Leaders

At the West Virginia Community Development Hub, these two women are helping local leaders grow and thrive, building a better future for their communities.