If you’ve spent any time driving down Kanawha Boulevard lately, you’ve probably noticed the vibe in Charleston is shifting. It’s not just the usual winter chill coming off the river. There is a lot of noise coming out of the State Capitol right now, and for once, a good chunk of it actually involves plans to tear things down and build them back up.
Honestly, keeping up with Charleston West Virginia news can feel like a full-time job. Between the legislative session kicking into high gear and Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin’s ambitious "State of the City" promises, there is a massive amount of information to wade through. People are talking about tax cuts, mall takeovers, and a flu strain that’s apparently "kicking butts" across Kanawha County.
Let’s get into what is actually happening on the ground.
The State Capitol: Tax Cuts and "Jobs First"
The 2026 legislative session just gaveled in, and it’s already getting intense. Governor Patrick Morrisey basically dropped a bombshell during his State of the State address, asking lawmakers to support a 10% cut in personal income tax.
Here’s the catch: his budget technically only accounts for a 5% cut.
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That creates a weird gap that the House and Senate have to figure out over the next 60 days. Republican leaders like House Speaker Roger Hanshaw are pushing a "Jobs First" agenda. They aren't just looking at the big flashy manufacturers; they are trying to pass bills like HB 4007, which doubles the fund for industrial access roads. It sounds boring, but if you want a company to build a factory in West Virginia, they need a road to get there. Simple as that.
Meanwhile, the Senate is looking at some... interesting... healthcare bills. Senate Bill 42, which would allow for over-the-counter sales of ivermectin, just moved through committee. It’s the kind of thing that gets people talking at the coffee shop, though its actual impact on public health is a whole other debate.
The Town Center Mall: A Massive Gamble?
The biggest local news for anyone living in Charleston is the fate of the Charleston Town Center. For years, it’s been a skeleton of its former self.
During her State of the City address on January 5, Mayor Goodwin announced the city is in talks with The Hull Group to take over the property. This would be the largest economic development project the city has seen in 40 years.
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What does that mean for you?
- Local Control: Instead of an out-of-state group holding the keys, the city would decide what goes there.
- Diversification: Don't expect just another mall. They’re looking at mixed-use spaces—think housing, offices, and maybe some green space.
- Demolition: The city has already torn down 700 dilapidated structures since 2019. They aren't afraid to use the wrecking ball to make room for something better.
Public Safety and Infrastructure: Beyond the Potholes
If you feel like you’re hitting fewer craters on your morning commute, it might not be your imagination. The city is bumping its road repair budget to $5 million this year. That’s a $2 million increase.
There’s also a $20 million Public Safety Center about to break ground. This is a big deal for first responders who have been working out of aging facilities for way too long. Plus, the "Capital Connector" project is moving forward. That’s the $25 million plan to make the riverfront more accessible and, frankly, less of a concrete barrier between the city and the water.
Health Alert: The Flu is No Joke Right Now
We have to talk about the health side of Charleston West Virginia news. Dr. Steven Eshenaur, the Kanawha County Health Officer, hasn't been holding back. He recently called this year’s flu strain a "real butt-kicker."
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It’s hitting young, healthy people harder than usual. Even if you aren't "the type" to get sick, the hospitals in the area are seeing a surge. If you’re feeling those "all-over" body aches, it’s likely not just the winter blues.
Real Talk on the Economy
John Deskins from the WVU Bureau of Business and Economic Research gave a presentation to lawmakers that was a bit of a reality check. He described our economy as "half-full, half-empty."
The good news? We aren't expecting a recession in WV this year.
The bad news? Our workforce participation rate is still the lowest in the country at about 54%.
Basically, half the people who could be working aren't. Deskins argues that until we fix "big problems" like drug addiction and education outcomes, we won't see the kind of per-capita income growth we want. It’s a sobering reminder that while new buildings are great, the people inside them need to be healthy and trained to make the city thrive.
What You Should Actually Do Now
It’s easy to just read the headlines and move on, but if you live in or around Charleston, these changes actually affect your wallet and your neighborhood.
- Watch the Tax Debate: If the 10% income tax cut goes through, you’ll see more in your paycheck, but keep an eye on what services might get trimmed to pay for it.
- Avoid the "Butt-Kicker": Seriously, listen to Dr. Eshenaur. If you haven't grabbed a flu shot, it’s probably time, especially with the legislative session bringing people from all 55 counties into the city right now.
- Check the Primary Filings: The candidate filing period is open until the end of January. If you’re tired of how things are going, see who is actually running for the Kanawha County Commission or the House of Delegates.
- Follow the Riverfront: Keep an eye on the Capital Connector updates. If you’re a business owner or looking to move, the areas near the river are likely to see the highest property value shifts in the next 24 months.
Charleston is in a weird, transformative spot. We’re moving away from being just a "government town" and trying to find a new identity. Whether that includes a revived downtown mall or just better-paved roads, the next few months will set the tone for the rest of the decade.