Thereòòò½ÊÓƵ™s something about West Virginia that draws you in òòò½ÊÓƵ” a sense of belonging that makes you feel at home, even if youòòò½ÊÓƵ™re not originally from here. Iòòò½ÊÓƵ™ll be the first to admit that when I arrived from Upstate New York, I didnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t know what to expect. What I found, though, was a state brimming with opportunity, community and willing to welcome newcomers like me with open arms òòò½ÊÓƵ” and a healthy dose of Appalachian hospitality.
My journey in West Virginia brought me to earning a bacheloròòò½ÊÓƵ™s degree, something that I hadnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t dreamed of at the time. Itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s where I met my husband (also a transplant, from Miami) and launched my professional career. Like many young people, we initially left, seeking better opportunities in places like Nashville. But better opportunity and a sense of community drew us back to a place we now proudly call home.
Thatòòò½ÊÓƵ™s why I was surprised to learn that West Virginia is the only state with a smaller population now than in 1950. Looking deeper into the numbers, itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s startling. In 1950, West Virginia had over 2 million people. Today, weòòò½ÊÓƵ™re just over 1.7 million, a decline of approximately 235,000 residents. This decline can be attributed to several factors: an aging population, more deaths than births and historically, out-migration for economic reasons.
However, recent trends offer a glimmer of hope. For the past two years, West Virginia has experienced positive net migration, meaning more people are moving into the state than leaving. While the numbers are modest òòò½ÊÓƵ” an increase of 1,000 people in 2021 and 2,000 in 2022 òòò½ÊÓƵ” itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s a significant reversal of a long-standing trend. This suggests that something is changing, and we have an opportunity to capitalize on it.
Today, quality of life has become one of the most powerful drivers of economic competitiveness. Public safety, parks and trails, good roads, reliable broadband and a work-life balance arenòòò½ÊÓƵ™t extras; theyòòò½ÊÓƵ™re essentials. Communities thrive when people feel safe, connected and supported. Businesses grow when infrastructure is strong, and workers stay when their families have access to quality amenities. The business case for enhancing quality of life is stronger than ever.
Yet, across West Virginia, we see communities struggling to maintain these basics. Local governments are stretched thin, roads and water systems need repairs and some areas still lack high-speed internet or dependable emergency services. These challenges limit our ability to attract talent and investment.
If we want to grow our population, bring in new businesses and retain our workforce, we must make targeted investments in the things that make life better.
Expanding access to parks, trails and outdoor amenities is essential, and itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s something I deeply appreciate about West Virginia. Because truly, is there anything better than the view from Bear Rocks, Hawkòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Nest, the New River Gorge, or Spruce Knob? The list of breathtaking spots goes on and on, and I want to soak up every ray of sunshine on the mountains looking out from Chimney Top Rock, every drop of rain on the rhododendrons at Audra State Park and hear the whistle of the train blow at Cass Scenic Railroad. Our world-class outdoor recreation is a major economic driver òòò½ÊÓƵ” and it shouldnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t be outsourced.
Upgrading broadband, roads, water systems and public facilities improves quality of life and long-term economic sustainability and competitiveness. Companies canòòò½ÊÓƵ™t move here if our water systems arenòòò½ÊÓƵ™t able to support them, or if we donòòò½ÊÓƵ™t have enough site readiness.
Doing the ordinary things extraordinarily well supports opportunity.
West Virginians also need to feel safe. Investing in law enforcement and community policing builds trust and sustainability, critical for neighborhoods and businesses alike.
Then there are the big ones, like health care, education and childcare. All large pieces of the puzzle.
These are the building blocks of thriving communities. When done right, they create a ripple effect, drawing in families, energizing downtowns and helping businesses succeed.
The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, with members in every corner employing over half of the stateòòò½ÊÓƵ™s workforce, understands this. Job providers, professionals, small business owners, educators and community leaders all want the same thing: a place where they can build a good life.
When we invest in livability, we give them reasons to stay òòò½ÊÓƵ” and we might just give others more reasons to come. Or come back, like me.
Quality of life is a workforce strategy, recruitment tool and a signal to the world that West Virginia is ready to lead. States across the country are racing to improve their communities for this very reason. We should be, too.
Tomorrowòòò½ÊÓƵ™s jobs will go where people want to live, and we have every reason to make sure that place is West Virginia.
Kaylin Jorge is the chief communications, development and policy officer for the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
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