Basic Info

First Name

Brian

Last Name

Butcher

Username

butcher4wv

Progressive Profile

Current Employer

Comcast

Current Occupation

Retail Manager

Bio

With a strong foundation in progressive policy, advocacy, and community organizing, largely focused on housing policy,  I have dedicated my career to advancing equity, inclusion, and justice for marginalized communities in West Virginia. My journey began in grassroots organizing and policy development, with a particular focus on housing justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and mutual aid. I founded West Virginia Housing Justice, where I led strategic organizing efforts around housing inequities, secured 501(c)(3) status, and obtained essential grant funding.

As Policy Director at Project Rainbow, I directed the development of policies for West Virginia’s first LGBTQ+ friendly shelter, while advocating for systemic change on state and national levels. My policy work involved collaborating with various stakeholders, successfully acquiring HUD grants totaling $250,000 and establishing operational protocols that ensure inclusivity and protection for houseless individuals.

In addition, as a co-founder of Morgantown RAMP, I helped create a mutual aid network that directly supports the needs of houseless individuals. Through active engagement, I directed resource distribution and volunteer coordination, securing a sustainable $30,000 annual operating budget for emergency hotel vouchers. My public advocacy efforts also spurred important investigations into local emergency shelter policies, demonstrating my commitment to responsive, community-driven solutions.

As an elected City Councilman for Morgantown’s 7th Ward, I actively shape local policies, contribute to budgetary decisions, and advocate for historically disadvantaged groups.

My leadership roles extend statewide through my work with West Virginia Can’t Wait, where I lead ballot initiatives, support policy development for regional candidates, and create tools for grassroots governance.

Additionally, as Vice President of Morgantown Pride, I drive community engagement, manage organizational growth, and oversee a range of initiatives to support LGBTQ+ community members.

This blend of local, state, and national work showcases my commitment to building inclusive systems that uplift vulnerable communities and my dedication to sustainable, people-powered change.

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Impact

My work has focused on housing justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and mutual aid, where I’ve launched and developed organizations that address these critical issues directly. I have focused these efforts on the issues West Virginia faces which makes me fairly unique in that I have extensive experience with organizing in rural places and in hostile environments. Starting an LGBTQ friendly shelter in a deeply red state was a huge risk but one that was absolutely necessary and one of my proudest accomplishments.