The cities of Smithers and Montgomery announce the release of Destination Hope: Smithers & Montgomery Intergenerational Gateway Community (SMIGC) Plan, using Dynamis Advisors’ Healthy Village model.
Supported by The Center for Rural Health Development, a nonprofit located in Hurricane, WV, and funded by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, the communities unveiled a comprehensive revitalization plan for Smithers and Montgomery. This plan focuses on redeveloping the former West Virginia University Institute of Technology campus in Montgomery and properties in Smithers into a wider community-led strategy.
“Smithers and Montgomery have experienced many of the economic challenges faced by Appalachian communities and are now determined to turn this experience around and create an intergenerational community that can also be a tourist destination as a gateway to the New River Gorge,” says Mayor of Smithers, Anne Cavalier.
The SMIGC, aligned with the center’s Wild, Wonderful, & Healthy West Virginia initiative, targets attracting and retaining residents while nurturing a sustainable workforce and supporting health and well-being. The plan unifies ongoing local efforts and leverages the area’s natural assets, strategic location and collaborative governance. It offers an integrated approach to address the towns’ unique challenges, aiming to cultivate resilience and sustainable growth.
“As the mayor of Montgomery, I believe a robust community revitalization plan is essential for the growth and prosperity of our cities. Such a plan not only breathes new life into our neighborhoods but also strengthens our sense of community, fosters economic development, and ensures a brighter future for all our residents,” says Montgomery Mayor, Greg Ingram.
To develop the plan, Dynamis embarked on a comprehensive planning process characterized by inclusivity, extensive stakeholder engagement and strategic data analysis, resulting in a robust and effective development strategy. The SMIGC Master Plan outlines transformative initiatives spanning education, health care, infrastructure and housing, prioritizing immediate actions such as trail expansion and facility establishment alongside long-term property repurposing and infrastructure enhancements. Representing an integrated approach to rural revitalization, the SMIGC serves as a beacon for Appalachian development, highlighting how coordinated efforts of blending town planning with community health objectives can attract diverse funding streams and foster inclusive, sustainable communities.
