ABSTRACT
In spring 1997 West Virginia University began a small-scale and tentative effort to develop teams of faculty, students, and professionals to assist rural communities in identifying challenges and opportunities for community and economic development. The project was called the West Virginia Community Design Team (CDT). Response to the initiative, by communities, academics, and professionals across the state, surpassed expectations. To date, twenty-four communities have participated in the program. The focus and tenor of the visits have varied according to need. Some communities face a loss of population and economic base, a few wrestle with sprawl and strip development as activity moves outside the town centers, and all face difficult choices regarding paths of community and economic development. The program has achieved a high degree of recognition and visibility across the state, not only as a community development approach, but also as a successful university outreach effort.
