Amping Up The Voice of the Burg!
Kenneth Gantt for Fredericksburg City Council - Ward 1
Welcome! I’m Kenneth Gantt, and I’m running for Fredericksburg City Council, Ward 1. As a dedicated community leader and Army combat veteran, I’ve spent years working to improve our city through service, advocacy, and action. Now, I’m ready to bring your voice to City Hall—fighting for transparency, accountability, and real public engagement. Join me in shaping a brighter future for Fredericksburg!
ABOUT ME
I have dedicated my life to service—first to my country as a U.S. Army combat veteran and now to my community. For 18 years, I’ve served as president of the Village of Idlewild HOA, ensuring that residents have a say in how our neighborhood is run. My experience also includes:
- 8 years on the City of Fredericksburg Planning Commission
- 3 years on the City of Fredericksburg Police Citizen’s Advisory Panel
- 8 years as President of the Virginia American Youth Football Alliance
- Volunteer with the Fredericksburg Regional Foodbank, delivering food to those in need
Through these roles, I have worked directly with city leaders and residents, tackling real issues. I believe Fredericksburg thrives when everyone has a voice—and I’m ready to make sure that happens at City Hall.
Platform & Priorities
Transparency & Accountability
Too many important decisions are made behind closed doors. I will push for open government, ensuring residents have clear access to decisions that affect them.
Public Engagement
City Council must do more to actively seek input from residents before making major decisions. I will advocate for increased town halls, open forums, and public communication.
Smart & Responsible Growth
Fredericksburg is growing, but we need to ensure that growth benefits all residents. I will work to balance development with the needs of our community.
Get Involved
Your support makes all the difference! Here’s how you can help:
- Volunteer – Sign up to help with canvassing, events, or outreach
- Spread the Word – Share our message with friends and neighbors
- Donate – Help fund our campaign
Help us make a difference! Whether through a financial donation or in-kind support, every contribution helps fuel our movement.
For in-kind donations, please contact us using the contact form below.
Sign-up to volunteer with Kenneth
Campaign Issue
Improving Education in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg’s public schools deserve to be among the best in Virginia. Raising our system’s performance starts with recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers, increasing community involvement, and holding the school board accountable for real, measurable progress. I will advocate for stronger collaboration between City Council, educators, parents, and the School Board to elevate student outcomes and school ratings.
Smart, Inclusive Growth for Our City
Fredericksburg can grow without sacrificing its history. As our city considers options like data centers to increase revenue, we must strike a thoughtful balance—embracing progress while preserving our character. Growth should benefit everyone, guided by transparency, community input, and policies that reflect shared values—not division.
Historic Preservation
Fredericksburg is a city where history lives in every block, building, and brick. As a City Council candidate, I am committed to ensuring our historic neighborhoods and landmarks are protected for future generations.
- I support strong preservation policies that safeguard the character of our historic districts while allowing for responsible, respectful development.
- I will advocate for adaptive reuse of historic buildings, promoting economic revitalization without erasing our past.
- I will push for city planning that values architectural integrity and honors the stories our community has to tell.
- Historic preservation isn’t about stopping change—it’s about guiding it in ways that celebrate our heritage and strengthen community identity.
Data Centers in Fredericksburg, VA: A Community Perspective
Kenneth Gantt’s Position: A Call for Sense & Civic Involvement
- I’m committed to slowing the pace, ensuring that every Ward 1 neighbor has sufficient time to review proposals and weigh in.
- I’ll push for strong environmental protections, including clean-energy mandates and safeguarding the Rappahannock River.
- I believe in data centers only if we have:
- Transparent planning, with open meetings and detailed impact reports;
- Community-centered land use, prioritizing scenic corridors and public trails;
- Balanced benefit-sharing, ensuring revenue supports local schools, services, and city resilience—not just corporate interests.
Environmental Conservation & Protected Areas
Our natural resources—rivers, wetlands, forests, and parks—are among Fredericksburg’s greatest assets. They deserve strong, proactive protection.
- I will work to preserve and expand green spaces, support the health of our Rappahannock River, and strengthen protections for local ecosystems and native species.
- I support environmentally responsible growth, balancing new development with preservation of critical habitats and natural buffers.
- I will champion clean water initiatives and sustainable land-use policies that protect air and water quality.
- Climate resilience, conservation, and smart infrastructure must be built into every policy we pursue—because protecting the environment protects our quality of life.
Addressing Teen Violence in Fredericksburg
I support expanding youth mentorship, mental health services, and safe spaces for our teens. Too many lives have been lost—we must invest in prevention, healing, and opportunity. I’m committed to protecting our youth and supporting families so that every child in Fredericksburg has the chance to grow up safe, seen, and supported.
Building Smarter, Not Faster: Fredericksburg’s Infrastructure Needs Our Focus
Fredericksburg’s growth is accelerating—but our infrastructure isn’t keeping pace. Roads, schools, and sewer systems are under strain, and residents deserve transparency about both the challenges and solutions ahead.
By strengthening the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Capital Investment Plan (CIP) connection, we can ensure our growth is guided by clear priorities and informed residents. Developers can be partners in progress—helping improve sidewalks, schools, and public safety infrastructure as part of their projects.
The Technology Overlay District offers promise, but its projected revenue must be planned conservatively over 5–10 years to ensure smart reinvestment, not shortfalls.
It’s time Fredericksburg moves from reaction to readiness—with open data, community engagement, and long-term planning that works for everyone.
Kenneth's In The Media
Reducing Teen Violence
Kenneth Ganntt Rack Card
Contact Kenneth
Have a question or want to share your thoughts? I’d love to hear from you! I strongly believe in Smart, inclusive growth for Fredericksburg
Location
Fredericksburg, Virginia
kdgantt.fxbg@gmail.com