MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Weirton officials earned recognition at the 2025 West Virginia Municipal League (WVML) Annual Conference, where the city received an All-Star Community Award for its Park Drive Development Project.
The project transformed a 20-acre parcel that had sat vacant for years into a site for new growth, a success Mayor Dean M. Harris credited to collaboration with local organizations and individuals. “They made a good choice with choosing us to be recognized for this project,” Harris said.
Along with the award, Harris was appointed to the WVML Board of Directors. He said the league plays a vital role in helping cities track legislation and advocate for bills that affect local communities.
“The WVML is an important tool for cities to stay apprised of bills and to lobby legislators on issues important to our constituents,” Harris said.
Harris has served a combined eight years as Weirton’s mayor, five years as Ward 5 councilman, past WVML president, and a member of the National League of Cities.
