As August begins, a significant convergence of civic leaders and dedicated staff from across West Virginia descends upon Morgantown, marking the triennial return of the West Virginia Municipal League (WVML) Annual Conference. This pivotal four-day event is designed to foster collaboration, share insights, and equip municipalities with the knowledge needed to enhance their communities.
Anticipation is high for the arrival of approximately 300 staff members and elected officials, representing over 70 municipalities, who will gather at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place. This assembly underscores the critical importance of local governance and the collective effort to address the challenges and opportunities facing towns and cities throughout the state.
The value of this annual gathering is eloquently expressed by Granville Mayor Patty Lewis, who was honored as WVML’s Mayor of the Year at the preceding conference in Huntington. Mayor Lewis attests to the tremendous assets that both the municipal league and its annual conference provide, particularly for smaller communities like Granville, in navigating complex administrative and developmental issues.
While the WVML primarily orchestrates the conference agenda, Morgantown, as the host city, will prominently feature its unique contributions and initiatives. This includes not only formal presentations by city officials but also immersive experiences showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and innovative approaches to urban development.
A notable highlight of the conference will be a dedicated workshop led by Morgantown GIS Analyst Marvin Davis. This session will delve into how the city effectively integrates geo-enabled applications into both its internal operations and public-facing services, demonstrating a commitment to advanced Urban Innovation in local governance.
Further emphasizing Morgantown’s role, Mayor Danielle Trumble is slated to deliver opening remarks, setting an inclusive tone for the conference. Mayor Trumble will also lead an insightful tour of Hazel’s House of Hope, an exemplary model of community collaboration and vital social services within the city.
The tour of Hazel’s House of Hope offers attendees a firsthand look at how multiple agencies, including Grace Shelter, Lauren’s Wish, the dayroom, and the Salvation Army’s Hope Cafe, operate cohesively under one roof. This visit will illustrate the profound benefits of such consolidated services for both the community and the clients they serve, underscoring effective Community Development.
The conference begins with the WVML John DeStefano Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament, fostering camaraderie and networking among participants. The evening will culminate in a special host event at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater, celebrating Morgantown’s distinctive food, brews, and entertainment scene, creating memorable experiences for all attendees focused on Civic Leadership and Local Government best practices.
