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 June 14, 2026
Elkins, WV — June 13, 2026: The City of Elkins is joining the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber, Citizens Promoting Community, and other nonprofits in asking downtown businesses to decorate their storefronts in anticipation of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Please contact the Chamber […]
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City of Elkins Monthly Newsletter: Reprint, June 2026
If you prefer to have the latest news in Elkins consolidated into a newsletter sent to your email inbox 12 times a year, then please sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also view past editions here. If your community organization […]
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City Grant Helps AFNHA Connect Community to Outdoor Recreation
Elkins, WV — May 18, 2026: A new Elkins resident visits the West Virginia Railroad Museum and the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center at the Darden Mill, where he learns about the developments that shaped our community into what it is today. A […]
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Grant from City of Elkins Helps Fund Children’s Programs at Elkins-Randolph County Public Library
Elkins, WV — May 11, 2026: On a summer weekday morning inside the Elkins-Randolph County Public Library, a pair of small hands reaches for a picture book during Tot Time. Later that week, a young elementary school student beams as she learns […]
Read MoreCity Hall News: Week of May 10, 2026
Elkins, WV — May 9, 2026: City Hall offices will be closed Tuesday, May 12, due to the West Virginia Primary Election. There will be no changes to the garbage collection schedule. Sign Up for Emergency Alerts Elkins City Hall asks residents […]
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City Hall Closed May 12 and 25, 2026: Updates on Services
Elkins, WV — May 6, 2026: Elkins City Hall will be closed on two dates this month. Tuesday, May 12: City Hall offices will be closed because of the West Virginia Primary Election. The City’s garbage collection schedule will not be affected. […]
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