calsfoundation@cals.org
January 1, 2006
The new Delta city of Helena-West Helena replaced its two predecessors (Helena and West Helena), and a new era began for the communities. By the 1970s, the chronic economic distress had forced a few leaders to suggest that the two cities might better address their common problems by governmental consolidation. Opponents to the merger, who feared losing influence, quickly killed the proposal. However, the proponents of the merger gained ground as the two communities continued to decline. Finally, after several false starts and lawsuits, the citizens of Helena and West Helena in 2005 voted to consolidate.