2026 Legislative Session Kickoff
Last week, the West Virginia Blockchain Foundation (WVBF) spent several days in Charleston engaging with state leaders, energy stakeholders, and economic development professionals to continue our work connecting emerging digital infrastructure with West Virginia’s long-term economic strategy.
Our focus remains simple: ensure that West Virginia communities, businesses, and institutions are equipped to understand and participate in the next generation of technology, from blockchain and digital assets to data centers, artificial intelligence, and secure digital networks.
Events and Engagements
During our time at the Capitol and across multiple statewide conferences, WVBF participated in a series of meetings and discussions centered on the future of energy, infrastructure, and workforce development.
We attended the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia Winter Meeting, where conversations focused on how natural gas, microgrids, and legacy energy assets can play a role in powering modern digital infrastructure. We also joined the West Virginia Economic Development Council Legislative Conference, which brought together county commissioners, regional development authorities, state agency leaders, and private sector partners to discuss strategies for attracting investment and strengthening local economies.
These forums provided an opportunity to connect the dots between West Virginia’s energy leadership and the growing demand for high-density compute, secure data systems, and next-generation financial infrastructure.
Conversations with State Leaders
WVBF had the opportunity to meet with a number of state and local officials, legislative staff, and economic development professionals to discuss how digital infrastructure intersects with policy, education, and regional development.
Our discussions centered on:
The role of data centers and advanced compute as modern economic anchors
How blockchain and distributed ledger technologies are being used today in financial markets, supply chains, and government systems
The importance of digital literacy for county leaders, educators, and students as technology becomes embedded in public services and private industry
These conversations reinforced a growing recognition that digital infrastructure is no longer a niche topic. It is becoming a core part of how states compete for investment, talent, and long-term growth.
Growing a Statewide Network
One of WVBF’s key goals in Charleston was to continue strengthening our statewide network of partners. We connected with representatives from local development authorities, municipal leaders, higher education institutions, and energy and infrastructure professionals who share an interest in positioning West Virginia as a competitive destination for technology-driven investment.
These relationships are essential to building a coordinated, bottom-up approach that ensures rural and urban communities alike have a voice in how new technologies are deployed across the state.
Education and Community Outreach
Education remains at the center of WVBF’s mission. Throughout the week, we discussed opportunities to develop practical workshops and briefings for:
County and municipal officials
Small business owners
Educators and students
Our goal is to move beyond buzzwords and focus on real-world applications. This includes explaining how blockchain technology is already being used in areas such as tokenized U.S. Treasuries and securities, digital payments, secure recordkeeping, and data verification, as well as how energy-powered compute and data infrastructure can create local jobs and long-term revenue opportunities.
We are particularly focused on expanding outreach to historically underrepresented communities, including Black-owned businesses and students at West Virginia’s higher education institutions, to ensure access to knowledge and opportunity in emerging financial and technology sectors.
Looking Ahead
Charleston was not a one-off visit. It was part of an ongoing effort to build visibility for WVBF, strengthen our partnerships across the state, and help shape a future where West Virginia is known not only for its energy resources, but also for its leadership in digital infrastructure and financial technology.
In the coming months, we will continue to follow up with the officials and organizations we met, develop educational programming, and identify opportunities for pilot projects and collaborations that bring tangible benefits to local communities.
We look forward to sharing more updates as this work continues and invite community members, educators, and leaders across West Virginia to connect with us as we build this next chapter together.
The West Virginia Blockchain Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on education, policy engagement, and community outreach around blockchain technology, digital assets, and digital infrastructure.