PKB 2030
- Adopted: 2020
- Client: City of Parkersburg, WV
- Project Type: Comprehensive Plan Update
About This Project
The City of Parkersburg called on McBride Dale Clarion to provide an update to the city’s robust 2011 comprehensive plan.
Parkersburg’s advantageous regional and national location on the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, makes both transportation of goods and access to major markets feasible and simple while still providing a beautiful setting within West Virginia’s landscape. With quick commutes to Pittsburg, PA; and Columbus and Cincinnati, OH; and easy driving access to Washington D.C., Parkersburg is positioned for eco and cultural tourism opportunities.
The city is currently experiencing moderate population loss with difficulties maintaining its younger population, along with a need to improve housing and mobility options throughout the city. One of the main priorities of this plan was focused around how to make Parkersburg an attractive place for prosperity to improve quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.
The goals set forward in the plan update are to provide guidance for responsible stewardship and decision making related to the city’s operations and development that takes into consideration the diverse systems, services, and partnerships in the City of Parkersburg. This update was prepared with a robust public engagement process which included focus groups, general public events, and a citizen’s steering committee.