The Big 4: Ranson Forward Signature Commitments
RFI keeps Ranson livable, RC3 makes it feel like home, the Historic District protects our identity, and no data centers keeps growth aligned with our future.
Ranson Forward Initiative (RFI)
A legally protected fund for essential workers and neighborhood upgrades.
RFI helps essential workers live in Ranson and pays for neighborhood upgrades. It is funded by using a combination of Ranson Small Business Tax Credit* and implementing a comprehensive and tiered Municipal Service Fee within the city limits.
- Create a lockbox fund with clear rules so money cannot be diverted
- Launch Hero Residency Stipends for nurses, teachers, first responders, city staff, and other essential workers
- Fund visible upgrades including lighting, sidewalk safety, small infrastructure fixes, and high-impact maintenance
- Roll it out in phases so the program stays responsible, measurable, and accountable
Success looks like more essential workers living in Ranson, faster visible neighborhood improvements, and a city that runs reliably.
Ranson Culture & Community Center (RC3)
A true home base for families, youth, seniors, and community services.
RC3 gives Ranson a community hub built with a responsible planning process before big promises are made. Families should not have to leave town to find safe, positive programs and accessible community life.
- Start with a Site & Feasibility Plan that compares 2 to 3 viable locations
- Evaluate costs, accessibility, and community impact transparently
- Open RC3 in phases so Ranson builds what residents use and expands what works
- Partner with schools, nonprofits, veterans groups, local businesses, and community organizations
Success looks like consistent weekly programming, high participation, and a community space residents are proud of.
Historic Ranson District
A safer, more walkable district that preserves what makes Ranson special.
Growth should not erase Ranson's identity. A defined historic district with clear standards and targeted upgrades can protect character, support small businesses, and build community pride.
- Define district boundaries and publish plain-English guidelines
- Protect character without creating unnecessary red tape
- Prioritize ADA-first sidewalks, safer crossings, lighting, and streetscape upgrades
- Use events and community programming to bring foot traffic and energy back into the district
Success looks like safer streets, stronger small businesses, more foot traffic, and a district residents recognize as a point of pride.
No Data Centers
Ranson should not become a data center town.
Data centers can bring heavy infrastructure strain with limited community return, and they do not fit the kind of growth Ranson needs. Growth should match our values and strengthen services.
- Oppose data center proposals and push for standards that protect neighborhoods
- Require transparent, plain-English public summaries for major development decisions
- Prioritize light industrial, skilled trades, healthcare-support, and locally owned small businesses
- Protect West Virginia culture, infrastructure, and quality of life before approving major projects
Success looks like Ranson growing in a way that matches our values without sacrificing our culture, neighborhoods, or quality of life.