Community Development

A strong economy stems from an educated, skilled workforce, vibrant communities supported by strong leadership and an interest in exploring all the state has to offer. WVU Extension Service experts understand how all of these dynamic pieces fit together to form a thriving West Virginia.

We are dedicated to providing educational programs and technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of citizens and organizations throughout the state of West Virginia. By utilizing the latest research-based knowledge, strategies, and technology, we are capable of helping people understand community change and identify opportunities to improve their social and economic well-being.

Our efforts of finding practical and timely solutions are enhanced by working closely with local communities, organizations, and partnering agencies.

Contact Our Community Development Specialists:

• Michael Dougherty
  Community Planning & Development Specialist
  304-293-2559
• Community Planning
• Local Government Technical Assistance
  
• Peter Butler
  Community Design & Landscape Architecture Specialist
  304-293-5462
• Community Engagement Lab

• Lauren Prinzo
  Leadership Specialist
  304-293-8680
• Community Leadership Academy
• Leadership Development & Facilitation
• My Hometown is Cool
• Walkability Studies

• Daniel Eades
  Economics Specialist
  304-293-8697
• Business Retention & Expansion
  
• Community Data Analysis
  
• Community First Impressions
• Economic Impact Analysis
• Economic Reports & Regional Profiles
  
• Moving Ahead Together

• Doug Arbogast
  Tourism Specialist
  304-293-8686
• Voices of Change
• Sharing Tucker
• Destination Competitiveness
• Tourism First Impressions

WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer -- Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
The WVU Board of Governors is the governing body of WVU. The Higher Education Policy Commission in West Virginia is responsible for developing, establishing, and overseeing the implementation of a public policy agenda for the state’s four-year colleges and universities.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to provide this content in alternate formats upon request. Contact the WVU Extension Service Office of Communications at 304-293-4222.