Let’s crack this code.
The public health crisis is giving rise to a multitude of new challenges for which lawmakers are actively proposing policy solutions.
In order to help West Virginians who are taking part in community development activities stay on top of this complex policy landscape, we’ve created this online space to share insight into the policy challenges and opportunities for community development in West Virginia.
This platform is an actively changing space, and we will update the information as new policies emerge and as we hear from partners who have additional information to share.
(Please email The Hub’s Policy Coordinator Taylor Bennett at t.bennett@wvhub.org if you have an idea to share.)
Our Approach
We are offering insight into the topics that represent the top policy-related challenges and opportunities identified by the communities participating in The Hub’s programs now. These topics were identified through a listening project earlier this year. (We will be conducting this project again in the near future to track shifting priorities in light of the public health crisis.)
Top areas of policy interest for these communities include:
- Redevelopment, Housing, and Problem Properties
- State and Local Government
- Tourism and Recreation Economy
- Business Development and Entrepreneurship
Many of our partners are also working in these areas, and it is not our intention to duplicate efforts. The purpose of this resource is to support people in interpreting policies, and we will be referring people to providers offering information and services related to these policies as we become aware of them.
(Please email Taylor Bennett at t.bennett@wvhub.org if you have an idea to share here.)
Policy Analysis
The information currently presented here is related to the federal Stimulus Package, a complicated policy that is rolling out in phases. Read an overview and analysis of the phases here.
// Redevelopment, Housing, and Problem Properties
/ Federal Policy
- $5 billion in additional Community Development Block Grants, which are already being used to stabilize neighborhoods across WV; and $1.5 billion in additional Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grants, which have been used creatively in the past to address problem properties and bolster redevelopment. Read our analysis »
- *NEW 5/7/20: The $1.5 billion in EDA grants from the CARES act is now available. Check out the EDA’s latest update for more information.
// State and Local Government
/ Federal Policy
- Funding through the Stimulus Package is expected directly from the Department of the Treasury, as well as through grants from a number of federal agencies, including the $1.5 billion that is now available through the EDA. Regulations on accessing these funds are presenting unique challenges for West Virginia’s local governments. Read our analysis of Phases 1-3 here »
- The are significant impacts for state and local governments coming from Phase 3.5 of the Stimulus Package related to providing health care and testing for COVID-19 in rural areas and reporting that local governments must complete. Read our analysis of Phase 3.5 here »
- *NEW 5/7/20: The $1.5 billion in EDA grants from the CARES act is now available. Check out the EDA’s latest update for more information.
// Tourism and Recreation Economy
/ Federal Policy
- $1.5 billion in EDA grants that can be used on projects to stabilize and grow tourism and recreation is included in Phase III of the federal Stimulus Package. Read our analysis »
- *NEW 5/7/20: The $1.5 billion in EDA grants from the CARES act is now available. Check out the EDA’s latest update for more information.
// Entrepreneurship and Business Development
/ Federal Policy
- The Stimulus Package includes many opportunities for business owners and dictates that support offered through the Small Business Administration (SBA) must prioritize rural businesses-many businesses in all of WV’s 55 counties will qualify. Many business-focused groups across the state are serving as primary support providers in accessing these resources. For more information on how to connect with these groups, see the Small Business section of our Resources for WV Communities page.
- Good policy takes good data. Regional Development Councils are helping to collect data that will tell the story of how small businesses have been impacted by COVID-19. To find out more, or share your story, click here.
Additional Resources for Understanding Policy
/ Federal Policy
- Title by Title Summary from the Senate Appropriations Committee: A summary of what each title of the CARES Act does, how much money is allocated, and to whom it will go.
- Breakdown of housing and infrastructure in the CARES Act from the Bipartisan Policy Center: A breakdown that specifically highlights the housing and infrastructure aspects of the CARES Act. This includes COVID-19 relief for state and local governments and CDBG funding increases.
- Summary of impacts for state governments by the National Conference of State Legislatures
Additional Resources for WV Communities
The team at The Hub is scanning the landscape every day for new resources to connect people working on community development-related activities with information and support.
Go to Resources for West Virginia Communities »