Home rule laws championed by the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce are helping West Virginia cities like Charleston address local problems. The Charleston Chamber joined with the Huntington and Morgantown Chambers as early supporters of so-called “home rule” legislation that provides municipalities with authority to handle concerns such as enforcement of building and zoning codes.  

The Charleston Chamber now urges the West Virginia Senate to pass legislation to make permanent the provisions of a home rule pilot program created in 2007. The House of Delegates has already passed two bills supported by Governor Manchin that would help cities better regulate vacant buildings and burned-out structures.

As reported in today’s Charleston Gazette article, “Home rule a boon to city Planning Department,” these laws give cities the flexibility they need to solve local concerns. 

Click here to view House Bill 4034.
Click here to view House Bill 4038.

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Senate passes Charleston Chamber priorities

Two of the Charleston Chamber’s 2010 legislative key priorities, Brains for Business and the Economic Development Act of 2010, were passed by the Senate and moved on to the House of Delegates. Read more…