CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A former Clarksburg mayor and leader of the National League of Cities says West Virginia municipalities need to stay true to themselves as they study ways to promote growth and economic activity.
Jim Hunt, the author of the book “The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City,” said on MetroNews “Talkline” last week cities can create “fantastic things” if they recognize their individual strengths rather than changing themselves to fit what works at other municipalities.
“If you go to southern West Virginia, you see a different culture. You see a different way the buildings have been constructed. You see the coal industry when you come up. In central West Virginia, you see the glass industry,” he said.
“You have a diverse state, and I think by being true to yourself instead of trying to be somewhere else, you can create some fantastic things.”
Hunt noted Buckhannon’s collaborative efforts with the private sector and other groups to transform the city following an economic downturn.
“They turned that city around, and I think it’s a model for the country,” he said.
In regards to population loss, Hunt said municipalities have not done enough to promote current amenities, including universities, to attract young people.
“I don’t think cities are doing a good enough job of saying, ‘Hey, why don’t you live in our downtown?'” he said. “In some cases, you don’t need a car as much. You’re not traveling 60 miles a day to travel to someplace. I think there are some things we can do.”
Hunt added cities should embrace the internet to share job and education opportunities.