West Virginia Launches One-Stop-Shop Permitting Portal
West Virginia is taking a bold step toward modernizing its government services. Governor Patrick Morrisey has unveiled the first phase of a statewide One‑Stop‑Shop Permitting Portal, aiming to revolutionize how residents and businesses access state permits and licenses.
🧭 What’s Driving This Change?
Enshrined in House Bill 2002, passed during the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, this initiative empowers the West Virginia Department of Administration to design and deploy a centralized online platform for permitting and licensing.
⚙️ Early Phase: Request for Information (RFI)
The Department of Administration has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to vendors, inviting insights on cutting-edge technologies and system functionalities.
This RFI serves a dual purpose: gathering vendor feedback and helping shape the portal’s technical and functional specifications.
🌐 Embracing the Technology Age
This announcement signals something deeper than just an infrastructure upgrade—it shows that West Virginia is ready to transition into the technology age. By embracing digital solutions and centralizing outdated processes, the state is positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in public service delivery. This commitment to innovation not only enhances efficiency but sends a strong message to businesses, entrepreneurs, and technologists: West Virginia is open for digital business—and actively implementing it.
🌟 Goals & Benefits
Streamlined Access: A single access point for all permit types—from business licenses to infrastructure approvals.
Operational Efficiency: Automated application submissions, payment handling, real-time tracking, and renewal notifications.
Government Transparency: Easier cross-agency communication, reduced paperwork, and better service oversight.
Economic Booster: Governor Morrisey emphasized that simplifying permitting will attract more businesses and accelerate job creation in West Virginia.
🛠️ Leadership Perspective
Eric Householder, Cabinet Secretary for Administration, described this initiative as “a transformative project for state government,” noting a shift from fragmented legacy systems to user‑centric digital solutions.
⏳ What to Expect Next
Vendors are being solicited through the RFI to inform system requirements.
Insights garnered will guide the upcoming formal procurement process and define the portal’s development roadmap.
Anticipated features include:
Centralized submission and payment
Permit tracking and automated renewals
Seamless agency-applicant interactions
✅ Why It Matters
Businesses: Less red tape lowers barriers to market entry.
Agencies: Efficiency gains free up staff to focus on high‑value tasks.
Citizens: A digital-first approach improves accessibility and accountability.
👀 Keep an Eye On…
The RFI responses—they’ll shape vendor selection and system capabilities.
The procurement timeline—key for when pilot programs and full rollout may begin.
Coverage of the portal’s full suite of services and agency integrations as roll‑out progresses.
✍️ Closing Thoughts
West Virginia’s One‑Stop‑Shop permitting portal embodies a forward‑thinking, user‑first digital strategy. By breaking down bureaucratic silos and reducing friction in state services, the initiative promises widespread benefits—from faster business setups to enhanced civic satisfaction. As the state embarks on this transformative journey, it sets a powerful example for digital governance in the modern era.