The City of Parkersburg announces the release of its 2030 Comprehensive Plan, a document that will guide development for the next decade. The City of Parkersburg Development Department, together with the PKB 2030 Steering Committee, the Municipal Planning Commission, and consultants at McBride Dale Clarion have collaborated throughout the process to complete the document in compliance with West Virginia state law. The proposed plan acts as a blueprint for future expansion and management of land use, housing, economic development, transportation, and public services.

Beginning Friday, October 30, the plan will be available for review at www.pkb2030.org. Anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Parkersburg will also have the option to post comments on the website. Additionally, an open house will be held on Thursday, November 5th from 6-8 PM at the Parkersburg Art Center where community members can learn more about the plan, ask questions of city leaders, and provide feedback to the PKB 2030 Steering Committee. Governor Justice’s mask and social distancing orders will be followed; attendees are welcome to arrive at any time during the 2 hour event.

Mayor Joyce invites those who live, work, and do business in the City of Parkersburg to review the Comprehensive Plan and make comments either on the website or at the Open House event. “Our community’s success is due in great part to the collaborative work amongst our city employees, local business owners, non-profit organizations and civically-engaged residents. I look forward to discussing the contents of the plan with citizens.”

A Comprehensive Plan is required for West Virginia municipalities every ten years. The process of creating the plan for Parkersburg began in early 2020, and included an online survey and public workshops. Following the November 5 Open House, the 2030 Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed by the Municipal Planning Division in a public hearing on December 1, and Parkersburg’s City Council on December 8 for a first reading with a second reading scheduled for December 22.