Economy: West Virginia must build on Ascend’s momentum
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To those of us who live here and love West Virginia, it does not sit well that we are the only state in which there are fewer residents now than there were in 1950. In fact, the state has lost a greater percentage of its residents than any other state -- 3.2% between 2010 and 2020. Among the reasons cited by some analysts are the decades-long declines in coal, steel and our other traditional industries.
That may have been part of the story at the start of the population decline, but a better explanation in more recent years is the failure for far too long to adapt to those economic changes. We've also done a poor job of denouncing (and dethroning) the few spotlight-grabbing politicians whose behavior paints West Virginia as socio-culturally backward to a degree that drives away bright young people and repels some of those who might otherwise be interested in moving here.
But more forward-thinking state officials have gotten creative, not just in attracting the kinds of employers that could help diversify and expand our economy, but in trying to retain and attract residents. Now, they've expanded one of those efforts, as Ascend West Virginia has added a fifth location in which out-of-state workers can apply to live. The New River Gorge/Fayetteville area joins Morgantown, the Greenbrier Valley, Elkins and the Eastern Panhandle as spots for which applicants can receive $12,000 and free passes for whitewater rafting, golf, rock climbing, horseback riding, skiing and ziplining if they move.
(Those living along the Ohio River and in the Northern Panhandle must be wondering if their communities will join the list soon, though the experiences may be a little different.)
"The growth of this program is a testament to the increased interest and positive buzz around West Virginia," said Chelsea Ruby, cabinet secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism. "The residents of our mountain towns are some of the most warm and welcoming people you'll find anywhere in the nation. They're eagerly awaiting these new folks to move in."
Indeed, we are eagerly awaiting those new residents and many more as the state makes strides to attract not only remote workers, but those working for employers who are setting up shop right here. Program officials are to be commended for expanding its reach. The rest of us must continue to build on that momentum.