Continuing Educational Resources

Often state-specific presentation, though directed to a specific audience, provide additional insight and solutions into what are common concerns or issues.

West Virginia University “BAD (Brownfield, Abandoned, Dilapidated) Buildings Program” is continuing with its free webinar series on August 17th and September 30th.

Following the listing of currently available presentations, you will find a link to access the recording of the concluded sessions along with registration information for the aforementioned upcoming sessions.

January 28, 2021 “BAD Buildings 101”
o Are there abandoned and dilapidated buildings in your community? The BAD (Brownfield, Abandoned, Dilapidated) Buildings Program works with communities statewide providing technical assistance and site analysis tools to address these issues. Are you interested in becoming a BAD Building community? Come learn the basics of the BAD Buildings Program where you will run through steps of the BAD Buildings model and learn how the program can help your community.

February 25, 2021 “Under the Dome: Policy Priority and the Abandoned Properties Coalition”
o The Abandoned Properties Coalition is dedicated to pursuing the revitalization of abandoned and dilapidated properties across West Virginia through sustainable planning and policies that positively contribute to community well-being. Each year, the APC advocates for policy priorities related to abandoned and dilapidated structures, many of which are also brownfields. Learn more about how these priorities are identified and the strategies the APC uses to make systemic change on issues related to vacant, abandoned, and dilapidated properties. Participants will also have a chance to voice their own opinions in an interactive discussion of this year’s policy goals.

March 25, 2021 “Historic Preservation: A Tool for Brownfields”
o In this webinar, representatives from the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia and State Historic Preservation Office will explain how the interests of Brownfields and Historic Preservation intersect; and how federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits can be used to aid with the redevelopment of brownfields in West Virginia.

April 29, 2021 “The Power of Parcel Data”
o When working with multiple properties, it can sometimes be difficult to find all the information needed all in one place. Having all the necessary data can be a powerful resource to justify the necessary changes needed in a community. It is especially difficult to find data needed in rural areas for many reasons, one being that local governments don’t have the capacity to collect and disperse all the information and data. LandGrid is a resource that has compiled important data parcel by parcel, including ownership, acreage, USPS vacancy, land and building value, etc. LandGrid is a resource that has property survey capability, parcel level data, and mapping capability all in one.

May 27, 2021 “1-2-3 Boom! What You Need to Know Before a Building Comes Down”
o So you think that building is ready for demolition? It’s been sitting there for 5, 10, or 20 years as an eyesore in your community – why can’t you just tear it down already? In this month’s webinar, Patrick Kirby, Chief Operating Officer from Raze International, Inc, is here to help you prepare for the wrecking ball. Patrick will share what information needs to be included in the bid, information the demolition contractor will need from you, and what questions you need to ask. Blight removal can be a headache – listen in to learn how to make the process as easy as 1-2-3 Boom!

June 24, 2021 “BAD Grads: A Discussion with BAD Buildings Community Members”
o Want to know more about what it’s like to participate in the BAD Buildings program? Come hear about the process from the perspective of the community members who have already navigated it! Representatives from Fairmont, Hinton, and Davis will discuss their experiences on the ground implementing the BAD Buildings model in their communities and answer questions about the process from the audience.

July 29, 2021 “How Can You Love Your Block?”
o Join Kalyn Obiozor, PAWV AmeriCorps member and Huntington Love Your Block Coordinator, to learn all about the Love Your Block program! She’ll discuss what LYB does, how it’s been implemented in Huntington over the past two years, where the program hopes to go in the future, and much more.

August 17, 2021 “The Role of Land Banks in Redevelopment”
o The WVLSC Land Bank offers a vital tool in the redevelopment toolbox to help challenged properties reach their full redevelopment potential. While formerly used properties frequently have much of the infrastructure needed for redevelopment, they often come with environmental conditions that make reuse difficult. This session will explain how the WVLSC Land Bank can rehabilitate former commercial and industrial properties, thereby eliminating the need for developers and future owners to take on the heavy responsibility and liability of environmental cleanup. It will also cover the role local Land Reuse and Preservation Agencies can play in helping their cities address problem properties and ensure that public land is used for its best purpose.

September 30, 2021 “Getting Schooled Part 2: Updates on the Rupert School Project”
o Description coming soon!

For more information, please click here.