Martinsburg, West Virginia is experiencing rapid growth, with a 49% increase in businesses over the past three years. This makes it the third highest city in the state for business licenses. Mayor Kevin Knowles of Martinsburg has expressed pride in this achievement during his recent state of the city address.
Knowles also highlighted how Martinsburg’s reputation has evolved from “little Baltimore” to a thriving community that is rapidly advancing. He credited the positive impact of utilizing funding received through the American Rescue Plan Act to support local businesses for this growth.
Looking ahead, Martinsburg has several projects in progress, including streetscape improvements in the King Street area and the completion of the Mill project. Monument Companies has invested $120 million in a three-phase project to transform the old Interwoven Mill and Perfection Garment Company into commercial space with nearly 400 residential units. Residents have already been approved to live there.
Mayor Knowles emphasized that Martinsburg is on the cusp of significant development. With a city budget exceeding $52 million for the next fiscal year, the city remains fiscally strong. Notably, a large portion of revenue has been allocated to increase wages for city workers, with an average pay increase of 15% across all departments over the past three years.
Overall, Mayor Knowles shared an optimistic outlook for the future of Martinsburg, emphasizing ongoing growth and development initiatives that are expected to continue shaping the city’s trajectory in years to come.
