Economy Archives - Mountain State Spotlight

West Virginia’s economy is changing, but that hasn’t meant more people working or better wages

by Tre Spencer January 11th, 2026

Cost of living is outpacing wages and West Virginia continues to have the lowest workforce participation rate in the country

Economic Justice

Abandoned buildings are crumbling across West Virginia. A state program to clean them up is out of money.

by Tre Spencer January 6th, 2026

West Virginia’s broadband plan wins federal approval, but defers support for libraries, schools and workforce development

by Tre Spencer November 21st, 2025November 25th, 2025

West Virginia’s seniors and retirees face rising costs and little help as they struggle to find affordable housing

by Tre Spencer November 10th, 2025

With SNAP benefits delayed, state officials steer thousands of West Virginians to overwhelmed food banks

by Henry Culvyhouse November 6th, 2025December 19th, 2025

‘If they don’t have child care, they can’t work’: Parents and providers share stories of the struggle for child care

by Tre Spencer October 17th, 2025

Help us report on West Virginia’s housing crisis

by Mountain State Spotlight Staff October 3rd, 2025October 3rd, 2025

BUILD WV was meant to help West Virginia’s housing shortage, but has spurred pricey apartment developments

by Tre Spencer October 3rd, 2025

The cost of child care is hurting working West Virginians. A new program aims to help if lawmakers will fund it.

by Tre Spencer September 21st, 2025

West Virginia lags behind its neighbors in sites for new businesses. The state is moving on a plan to change that.

by Tre Spencer August 22nd, 2025August 22nd, 2025