What it is
Ranson Forward Initiative is a legally protected, dedicated fund that 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.
Why it matters
Ranson cannot stay strong if the people who keep the city running - nurses, teachers, first responders, city staff, and other essential workers - cannot afford to live here. Neighborhoods also should not keep waiting on basic fixes residents can see and feel.
What I will do
- Create a lockbox fund with clear rules so money cannot be diverted
- Launch Hero Residency Stipends to help essential workers live in Ranson
- Fund neighborhood upgrades including lighting, sidewalk safety, small infrastructure fixes, and high-impact maintenance projects
- Roll it out in phases so it is responsible, measurable, and accountable
How it is protected
- Public reporting, oversight, and clear limits on what the fund can be used for
- No funding for administrative salaries from the lockbox
- Plain-English updates so residents can see what was funded and why
What success looks like: more essential workers living in Ranson, faster visible neighborhood improvements, and a city that runs reliably.