Huntington in Progress: December 9, 2025
Mayor’s Update – Quick, Clear, and Real
This Week’s Updates Include:
• Opioid Litigation: Federal appeals court reversed the lower ruling; December 16 hearing is next step.
• The Hub Transition: The Huntington Homeless Services Hub is becoming an independent nonprofit with broad community partnership.
• Dietz Hollow Landfill Liability: We’re working with WVDEP and legislators to fix a $25M+ environmental burden from decades ago.
• Accountability Results: Through liens, notices, and litigation, we’ve collected $599,670 this year from delinquent property owners.
Opioid Fight: We’re Not Done Yet
For years, Huntington has been at the center of the national opioid crisis after distributors shipped more than 80 million pills into our community. Our ongoing lawsuit is about holding those companies accountable to fix the problems they caused. The Fourth Circuit reversed the lower court’s previous ruling and has now given us the green light to continue the case.
Next: Judge Faber scheduled a December 16th hearing in Charleston where we expect to learn more about our path forward.
The Hub: A Better Way to Care for Our Homeless Neighbors
Since opening November 1, the Huntington Homeless Services Hub (“The Hub”) is averaging around 90 people a night, providing meals, emergency beds, referrals to care, and real pathways forward.
Next: We have finalized the creation of a new nonprofit that, when fully established, will take over operations from Valley Health. The City will continue to own the Hub property. The new nonprofit was founded by the City of Huntington, the Cabell County Commission, Valley Health, OVP, and Marshall Health Network to build a sustainable model of care delivery. We have invited all local organizations working to end homelessness — including Prestera, the City Mission, and Harmony House — to join our coalition. In the coming months, day services will expand to provide people with a path off the streets and a plan toward a better future.
Dietz Hollow Landfill: Owning Past Mistakes
Decades ago, the landfill at Dietz Hollow in Guyandotte wasn’t properly closed, resulting in a $25 million-plus environmental liability for Huntington. The WVDEP will take punitive actions if we don’t fix it.
Next: I am working directly with WVDEP and our legislative partners to build a responsible solution that is realistic and protects residents and taxpayers.
Construction Updates: Building for Tomorrow
Two major construction initiatives are underway that will shape Huntington’s future. Our $196 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade is the largest municipal infrastructure project in state history and will nearly double our treatment capacity. At the same time, Marshall University has broken ground on the new $45 million Institute for Cyber Security at Hal Greer and 4th Avenue, creating a foundation for Huntington to become a center for cybersecurity talent and innovation.
Together, these projects prepare us for decades of growth, investment, and long-term resilience.
Project Lights On: Our Streets Are Brighter
Neighborhood associations, Marshall students, Public Works, and AEP worked together to light up the city again. When the lights came back on, so did a sense of safety and pride.
By the numbers: 1,337 lights restored, $0 extra cost.
Property Accountability: No More Free Passes
For too long, vacant and neglected properties have burdened neighborhoods and shifted costs onto taxpayers. We are changing that. We are enforcing long-overdue fees and liens so responsibility falls on the property owner, not the community.
Progress so far: First, for owners with past-due municipal and refuse fees, we’ve sent 2,100 notices, filed 782 liens, and collected $319,501.
Second, for owners who already had liens and still refused to act, I directed the City Attorney to take further legal steps. Since August 8, we’ve sent 264 notices, with 35 paying in full before litigation, 7 settling afterward, and 78 lawsuits filed. That effort has collected $280,169 to date.
Combined, these efforts have collected $599,670 this year.
This is what it looks like to do the ordinary things well: consistent enforcement, fair expectations, and accountability for everyone.
A.D. Lewis Community Center: Serving with Heart
Volunteers at the A.D. Lewis Community Center prepared and distributed more than 250 Thanksgiving food boxes to local families. The tradition goes back to 1988, and MaRia Hill carries the legacy forward with the same spirit of service. Support came from local partners including Coca-Cola and Kroger. This is Huntington at our best.
One Fun Thing: Christmas Parade of Lights Magic
It was an honor to serve as Grand Marshal of this year’s Christmas Parade of Lights. Downtown felt magical as families and friends came together to celebrate the season. Thank you to Dutch Miller Auto Group, Downtown Huntington Partners, our city crews, and the Huntington East Middle School cheer team for bringing so much energy to the parade.
Growing up, I always felt there was something special about Huntington at Christmas. No matter where life took me, this was the place I wanted to come home to. Nights like this remind me why.