This week:
Delivering value for every tax dollar
Incentives to build better housing for Huntington’s future
Advancing clean energy innovation at CSX
Confronting homelessness and the mental health crisis
Sharing Huntington’s story at West Virginia’s largest business summit
Welcoming more than 30,000 fans for Huntington’s first full-scale stadium concert
💰 Value for Every Dollar
When I speak with residents, the requests usually fall into two categories:
They want the City to spend more on what specifically matters to them: filling a pothole they drive over, fixing a flooding problem, making their neighborhood safer.
They want to spend less from their pocketbook on taxes and fees.
At their core, both are about value. People don’t believe their money is delivering the results they deserve.
The challenge: Huntington closed the last fiscal year with a $2.3 million deficit, covered by savings. We cannot keep draining reserves. Raising taxes is not the answer.
The response: Our focus is disciplined spending and growing the economy. That starts with accountability and transparency.
Accountability: $18.5M in unpaid city fees and liens are being collected. Certified letters are out, and payments are coming in. Everyone needs to pay their fair share.
Transparency: Huntington is joining the State Auditor’s West Virginia Checkbook system so that residents can see where every dollar goes, including how User Fees fund police protection and paving.
Why it matters: You deserve results for what you already pay. Families are squeezed by rising costs of groceries, gas, and utilities, and the last thing you need is City Hall digging deeper into your pocket. My goal is simple: I want you to pay less. We will stay disciplined and invest where it counts: safer neighborhoods, better flood control, and a thriving economy.
🏡 Building Better Housing
To grow Huntington, we need better housing. That means building homes workers can afford and supporting the people who live in them.
To that end, we are pursuing several initiatives, including reforming a city ordinance to provide tax relief for contractors and subcontractors who build new housing or renovate existing homes. With City Council’s approval, qualified businesses will receive exemptions from the City’s Business and Occupation (B&O) tax when engaged in residential construction or major improvements.
Why it matters: More housing means stronger neighborhoods, new families moving in, and a growing workforce. By lowering financial barriers for builders and renovators, Huntington is making it easier to create the homes our community needs to thrive.
What’s next: Contractors and subcontractors will be able to apply for the exemption, and we will track progress to ensure this initiative delivers new homes and revitalized neighborhoods. It’s just the first step in Live Huntington, a broader partnership to grow our city by making it a place with enough housing for every family who chooses to call it home. More pieces of this initiative will be announced in the weeks ahead.
🚂 Advanced Energy Innovation at CSX
I had a chance to tour CSX’s Huntington Locomotive Shop, and their hydrogen locomotive program is amazing! The team is transitioning diesel engines to hydrogen-powered alternatives by reusing frames, cabs, and motors. This extends the life of legacy equipment while cutting emissions. These engines emit only water vapor and deliver greater efficiency.
Why it matters: Huntington is once again leading in rail innovation, bringing cleaner technology, good jobs, and national attention to our city.
What’s next: CSX and Berkshire Hathaway’s BNSF Railway have agreed to connect their east and west coast railroads. This partnership strengthens the foundation for a potential merger and expands the reach of CSX’s zero-emission hydrogen program. Huntington is positioned to play a central role in the transition to clean energy locomotives.
Watch CSX’s video on hydrogen-powered engines
📺 Inside West Virginia Politics
I joined WOWK’s Inside West Virginia Politics to outline Mission Zero, our plan to reach functional zero veteran homelessness, and shared my thoughts on how to address the mental health crisis on our streets.
📈 Forging Alliances, Fueling Success
Later this week I’ll join mayors from Charleston and Parkersburg on a panel at the West Virginia Chamber Annual Meeting & Business Summit at The Greenbrier. Together we’ll discuss how city leadership drives statewide economic growth.
Why it matters: Huntington’s story deserves to be part of the biggest business and policy gathering in West Virginia. Sharing it helps attract new partners and investment to our city. Step by step, Huntington is proving we can deliver results and grow stronger together.
🎶 One Fun Thing: Zach Bryan at the Joan
This weekend, Huntington makes history. For the first time, our city will host a full-scale stadium concert, with more than 30,000 fans filling Joan C. Edwards Stadium, including thousands seated on the field.
The moment: We’ve had big football games and even a smaller Mountain Stage performance at the Joan, but nothing like this. Police, state police, firefighters, EMS, and public works team are ready. Our job is to make the night safe, smooth, and unforgettable and to show why Huntington is ready for more events like this.
Why it matters: A full stadium and a buzzing city mean new energy for local businesses and national attention for Huntington. There will be traffic and a few challenges, but that’s the price of progress. The crowded, electric feeling this weekend is exactly the kind of momentum we want to build on.