City of Charleston News

Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin announced today that she will name Deputy Chief Jason Webb as the next Chief of the Charleston Police Department (CPD). The announcement comes as current Police Chief Scott Dempsey prepares to retire, effective October 22, 2026.

The City of Charleston is taking the next major step in the Capital Connector Project as the approximately $25 million infrastructure project moves into the construction bidding phase. The milestone follows several years of planning, design and public input, with support from the U.S. Department of Transportation, West Virginia Department of Transportation, West Virginia’s congressional delegation and community partners.

During this evening’s meeting, Charleston City Council approved a novation agreement to transition 748 Virginia Street West, the former Save A Lot building, to Mountaineer Food Bank. The agreement transfers the property to Mountaineer Food Bank and provides a path forward for the ARPA-funded project, including $440,000 in federal funding already invested in the property.

UPDATE - September 24, 2026: The Charleston Land Reuse Agency (CLRA) Public Input Session scheduled for October 1 will be rescheduled. A new date will be announced as soon as it is confirmed.

Kanawha City resident Jessica Hudson was appointed to fill Council Member Pam Burka’s Ward 18 City Council seat during tonight’s Charleston City Council meeting. Hudson was nominated and approved to serve immediately.