Elkins Welcomes New WVU President, Celebrates Two Years of Ascend WV Success
Today, City employees joined local organizations—including the Augusta Heritage Center, Elkins Area Shared Trails, 4-H, the Randolph County Development Authority, and the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber—in welcoming WVU’s new president, Dr. Michael T. Benson, during his 18-county tour of West Virginia. Dr. Benson says he plans to visit every county in the state over the coming months.
During the meet-and-greet, the City presented a proclamation to WVU, the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC), and Ascend WV, thanking them for selecting Elkins as one of the five Ascend WV communities. This month marks two years since Ascend Greater Elkins began attracting remote professionals to the area.
According to Ascend WV, this is a snapshot of what has occurred since Elkins opened its doors to Ascend WV:
- The program has received more than 10,700 applications from prospective residents
- Welcomed 57 Ascend Members (and their families), totaling 112 new residents in Elkins
- Witnessed relocations from 23 states, including California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Texas
- Welcomed back the 11% of members who were born in West Virginia; 89% are experiencing the Mountain State for the first time
- 16% are small business owners or self-employed, thereby doing their part to boost the local economy and tax base
- 30% have purchased homes
- Ascend members have attended almost 300 local events organized by Ascend or in partnership with various community groups
- A 98% retention rate
- Two newborns (plus one born just before relocation!)
Learn about Ascend WV here: https://ascendwv.com/
City Hall News: Week of August 3, 2025
Elkins, WV—August 2, 2025: Starting in September 2025, Elkins residents will see a change in curbside trash collection rules as the City implements its first-ever garbage bag limit. Approved by City Council on Thursday, June 25, Ordinance 345 amends Chapter 50 of […]
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Regional Task Force on Addiction, Homelessness, and Mental Health Update: July 24, 2025
Elkins, WV – July 28, 2025: The Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health continues its partnership with community organizations in North Central West Virginia to address these challenges. While the City of Elkins does not provide social services directly, […]
Read MoreCity Hall News: Week of July 27, 2025
Elkins, WV—July 25, 2025: The City’s Sanitation Department wishes to remind you that for August 2025, the free monthly bulk item pickup (one large item, such as an appliance, TV, or mattress) schedule is as follows: Monday weekly trash pickup: Monday, August […]
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Reminder: The Importance of Wellness Checks
Elkins, WV—July 21, 2025: During the late afternoon of Thursday, July 17, the City of Elkins’ External Affairs office received a call from a concerned citizen living in Carson City, NV. The caller was concerned about an elderly cousin, with whom she […]
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EPD Warns Residents, Businesses of Fraudulent Calls Impersonating Chief Bennett
Elkins, WV, July 7, 2025: The Elkins Police Department (EPD) is warning the community about an ongoing telephone scam in which fraudsters are impersonating Police Chief Travis Bennett to solicit money. These calls have been reported since the Fourth of July weekend. Reports have […]
Read MoreRegional Task Force on Addiction, Homelessness, and Mental Health Update: June 26, 2025
Elkins, WV – June 27, 2025: The Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health continues its partnership with community organizations in North Central West Virginia to address these challenges. While the City of Elkins does not provide social services directly, […]
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