Mayor Kevin Knowles of Martinsburg, West Virginia, is excited about the city’s recent growth and development. Over the past three years, there has been a 49% increase in businesses in Martinsburg, making it the third highest city in the state for business licenses. The city has worked hard to improve its reputation and is no longer referred to as “little Baltimore” but instead recognized as a thriving city that is rapidly progressing.
Looking ahead, Martinsburg has several projects in the works. One project is streetscape work in the King Street area, which will improve the appearance of the downtown area and make it more attractive to visitors. Another project is the completion of the Mill project, which will repurpose an old mill into commercial space and residential units. Monument Companies has announced plans to invest $120 million in this project, which will create new jobs and bring economic growth to the city.
Martinsburg’s upcoming city budget is set to exceed $52 million, showcasing its fiscal strength. Mayor Knowles mentioned that a significant portion of this revenue has been allocated to increasing pay for city workers. He noted that during his three years as mayor, there have been over 15%-plus increases in pay across the board to make wages competitive with surrounding areas. The mayor emphasized that supporting the workforce is essential for Martinsburg’s continued success and economic growth.
Overall, Mayor Knowles is proud of what Martinsburg has accomplished so far and looks forward to continuing its growth and development in the future.