Happy New Year y’all, Coop here.

I had some down time and thought I’d ask ChatGPT to design a “perfect small town in West Virginia” for the hell of it … Not gonna lie, it’s pretty sweet!

In my opinion, it looks like a beautiful blend of Greenville, South Carolina and Thomas, West Virginia.

Here’s the AI-generated town below… Keep scrolling for an in depth analysis!

What do you think, would you live here?

To me, this is a fun exercise to see what artificial intelligence can come up with these days, but also a test of our own imagination and feelings towards the places we reside and what is possible in central Appalachia.

This image went mildly viral, gaining 20,000 views on Twitter, close to 10,000 on TikTok, racked up 1,000+ likes and a few hundred comments across Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. ~ Thx for the engagement!

A sample of the feedback we saw

• “Absolutely yes!”

• “I would live here but prefer to be on the top of the mountain like Terra Alta, WV. Lots of beautiful and peaceful places to live in West Virginia for sure!”

• “All the bridges and the river in the middle of town reminds me of Dublin”

• “Looks like ChatGPT doesn't access FEMA in its knowledge database.”

• “Lowkey looks like a mash up of Morgantown white sulfur springs and lewisburg”

• “Love it! Growing up in a small town, I loved being able to walk to anything - restaurants, stores, coffee shops, the parks (and green spaces), the movie theater plus public art murals / benches etc and bridge(s) are always a nice plus!”

Maybe the most insightful comment came from an actual Mayor of a West Virginia small town:

• “I would 100% live in this picture. As the Mayor of a small town myself, this photo captures some very important vitality elements:
  
  -Attractive gathering spaces
  -Walk-ability
  -Well-maintained architecture
  -User-friendly Downtown

  Meaning the commercial district provides a healthy mix of professional services, retail variety, art, color, festival seasonal decor, restaurants, cafes, brew-pubs, and quality residential opportunities all complimented by interesting architecture and outdoor spaces to enjoy lunch, dinner, or host an event.
  
  I’m proud to say we’ve been able to accomplish everything mentioned above here in Buckhannon. The health & vitality of our Downtown has been a priority for many years.”

• Robbie Skinner, III, Mayor. Current term: 2020 – 2024

What we can do with this feedback and thought experiment?

One thing is crystal clear… Folks value community, local shops, quality architecture, and access to nature.

Many people shared their concern of flooding, which has plagued West Virginia more severely over the last decade, (cough cough* thx to clear cut coal mining ripping the land apart and not putting it back together properly.. AKA proper restoration of water systems and mountain sides…)

But Cooper, how can we act upon this analysis and dreamlike world you’ve shared? I don’t know, really. It’s easy to live in a SIMs-like-world and ask AI to dream us up a perfect Hallmark town…right? We live in the real world, so keep scrollin’ for my action-based ideas:

Action-Oriented Ideas

1. Participate in Town Halls and Local Meetings: Stay informed and involved in local governance by attending and voicing your opinions in town hall meetings, city council sessions, and other public forums.

2. Engage with Zoning Laws and City Infrastructure Bills: Understand and contribute to discussions about zoning laws and infrastructure projects that shape the future of your community.

3. Invest in Property: Buy and restore old buildings to preserve local history and contribute to the community's aesthetic and economic vitality.

4. Start a Business: If you're entrepreneurial, consider starting a local business to contribute to the community's economic health.

5. Shop Local: Support local businesses to keep the economic benefits within your community.

6. Use and Provide Feedback on City Infrastructure: Utilize public amenities such as parks, libraries, and public transportation, and provide constructive feedback to city officials to help improve these services.

7. Volunteer for Community Projects: Engage in community service and improvement projects, such as neighborhood clean-ups, community gardens, or volunteer at local non-profits.

8. Support Local Education Initiatives: Get involved in local schools and educational programs, whether by volunteering, attending board meetings, or supporting educational fundraisers.

9. Promote Sustainable Practices: Advocate for and engage in sustainable practices like recycling programs, renewable energy initiatives, and water conservation efforts in your community.

10. Join or Start a Neighborhood Association: Be part of a neighborhood association to have a collective voice in local matters and foster a sense of community.

11. Host Community Events: Organize or participate in community events like street fairs, cultural festivals, or block parties to promote community cohesion.

12. Advocate for Inclusivity and Diversity: Work towards creating an inclusive community where diverse voices are heard and represented in local affairs.

13. Engage with Local Art and Culture: Support local artists, musicians, and cultural events that enrich the community's cultural landscape.

14. Promote Health and Wellness Initiatives: Participate in or organize local health and wellness programs or campaigns to improve the collective well-being of the community.

15. Utilize Social Media and Communication Platforms: Use social media and other communication platforms to stay informed, spread awareness, and mobilize community action on various local issues.

What do you think? Anything else to add? Lemme know!

• Coop