One area we haven’t touched on yet during this Create West Virginia dialog is the topic of livable, sustainable communities. This is a topic of interest not just because it is an attractor of creative New Economy talent, but also because of its importance to all citizens concerned with our future quality of life.

A couple of interesting items in this area include the American Institute of Architect’s Livable Communities initiative. The West Virginia Chapter has a Livable Communities committee “comprised of architectural design professionals committed to the concept of better living through design.”

The committee members are available to deliver:

• Presentations on the principles of livable communities, including a special presentation on the health benefits of livable design.
• Design assistance with community revitalization.  Providing unique solutions, design expertise and graphic skills to convey the ideas that are developed. 
• Innovative solutions to planning and zoning issues. Review and development of existing planning and zoning ordinances.
• Advocacy of issues such as sustainability, healthy communities, safety, adaptive re-use, historic preservation, green field preservation, etc.
• Illustrations of how livable community design can be a profitable investment.

Any community interested in these pro bono services can contact [email protected]g.

Many outside of Charleston may be unaware of the Charleston Area Alliance’s “EcoDwell” project. The organization initiated this model home on the city’s East End to help increase awareness of the importance of sustainable, “green” housing. For more information about the project, contact [email protected].

Finally, an organization called CoolTown Studios is an example of how developers are taking notice of Creative Community opportunities. In addition to a great blog that includes examples of what cities across the world are doing to attract and build their Creative Communities through new, innovative office space and housing, CoolTown Studios has packaged some planning resources and investment sources for any community who gets organized around this kind initiative.

What else is going on in West Virginia in this area? We’d love to hear about it.