By Destiney Dingess, The Herald-Dispatch
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A look at projects underway throughout Huntington — a now-empty lot on 4th Avenue that will be the future home of Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security, the redevelopment of the old ACF plant — shows continuing parts of Mayor Steve Williams’ vision for the city that was put on paper almost 12 years ago.
When he was elected mayor in 2012, Williams inherited a bankrupt city facing many issues. Crucial services were being cut, layoffs were on the horizon for first responders and the city’s bond rating was downgraded as it struggled to pay its bills.
Williams said his background in finance and economic development set him up to bring the city out of its financial hole.
Then, in 2017, the city’s victory in the America’s Best Community competition led to the creation of the Huntington Innovation Project (HIP) Plan, which Williams says is the foundation for all the city’s projects that are currently coming to fruition.
