Weston officials, community gather for HubCAP informational session (copy)

The program works with the community to move forward a clearly defined community development project from initial idea to long-term implementation and financing, according to the Hub’s website.

Weston’s informational session included breakout sessions with various topics such as housing, recreation, youth retention, arts and festivals and community services.

City council members and city of Weston staff, Lewis County Economic Development Authority Director Ray Smith and the Lewis County Family Resource Network led breakout sessions.

“We want to gather ideas from all areas of the community,” Weston Mayor Kim Harrison-Edwards said of the 18-month program.

Olivia McConnell works for WV Community Development Hub and will serve as a coach for the Weston HubCAP program. She said the HubCAP program is the highest level program a municipality can be accepted into.

“One reason we chose Weston was to build on the momentum of the Blueprint Community program,” McConnell said, referencing Lewis County’s selection in 2019 into the Blueprint program.

HubCAP projects focus on community revitalization, including through activities such as building redevelopment, increasing business opportunities and improving community engagement practices.

Anyone interested can be a part of the HubCAP program through teams. McConnell said Core teams are usually four to 10 people who can commit to meeting regularly to discuss projects and generate ideas. Task teams are those interested in engaging in the community and working on specific projects or all projects depending on interest and time availability.

“You don’t even have to be a resident. If you shop or visit Weston, the Hub wants to hear from you,” McConnell said.

Ideas generated at the event varied, with topics ranging from factory and manufacturing prospects and a recycling center to homelessness and transportation. Questions asked included what services should be paid for or free, like a youth center and activities.

Another idea was offering skills training to high school graduates to prepare them for their future, and bringing more jobs and recreational activities to help with retaining residents.

Weston is part of the fifth round of HubCAP communities. Smithers, New Martinsville, Montgomery and Oak Hill are also participating. The Hub’s staff will work alongside community volunteer leaders to help them recover from the impacts of COVID-19, implement plans to create the vibrant communities they envision, and create long-term sustainability plans to ensure climate resilience.

“I am excited for a new group of communities to have the opportunity to take part in the HubCAP program to build their capacity and facilitate projects in their own communities,” said Stacy Thomas, the Hub’s community coaching programs coordinator. “With each iteration of the program we continue to build resources and partnerships to assist communities in their journey.”The Hub is joined by partners like local Economic Development Authority organizations within the communities, as well as additional long-standing community partners who will offer technical expertise and crucial services to help the five communities best identify and develop projects that will bring value to their citizens and visitors.