Help Shape Elkins’ Future: Apply for Planning Commission Vacancy

ELKINS, W.Va. — July 27, 2026 — The City of Elkins seeks candidates to serve on its Planning Commission. The vacancy is for an unexpired term that ends on December 31, 2027. Full terms on this commission are for three years.

The Planning Commission is an advisory body to Elkins City Council on long-term and land use policy. Its responsibilities include:

• Preparing and recommending updates to the City’s comprehensive plan
• Reviewing proposed zoning amendments
• Conducting public hearings when required by law
• Recommending actions to Elkins City Council on issues that could affect the City’s future growth and development

The Planning Commission generally meets on the second Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m.; additional meetings or hearings may be scheduled when needed.

Applicants must be residents of Elkins. Anyone who is interested in serving is invited to email a brief statement of interest to suttonstokes@cityofelkinswv.com. Please include:

• Your name, address, telephone number, and email address
• A brief description of your occupation, background, and any experience, education, or skills relevant to planning, development, local government, or community service
• Any volunteer, civic, or community involvement you would like Elkins officials to consider as they review your statement of interest
• A few sentences explaining why you are interested in serving on the Planning Commission and how you believe you could contribute
• Any general scheduling limitations that could affect your ability to attend meetings

The Mayor will review the statements of interest and may nominate an individual for appointment. Nominations to the Planning Commission are subject to confirmation by Elkins City Council.

Mayor Jerry A. Marco encourages interested residents to apply: “The Planning Commission does important work that affects every neighborhood in Elkins. We need engaged voices at the table, and I look forward to reviewing applications from residents who want to make a difference.”

As appointments to Elkins boards and commissions are made through a public process, information submitted may be subject to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and other public records laws.