GET TO KNOW RON
A Columbia, MO Neighbor Who Cares
Hey, I’m Ron Graves, and Columbia has always been home. I grew up here, went to Hickman High, and later graduated from Mizzou — my parents even met on a blind date at the University of Missouri! I’ve been married to my wife, Deborah, for 33 years, and we raised our two sons, Matthew and Will, right here in this community.
I’ve spent over two decades working in fundraising for nonprofits, helping organizations both locally and nationally make a real difference. Coaching Little League baseball, volunteering with youth programs, and raising funds for organizations such as The Salvation Army and Rainbow House have given me a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities in Columbia. This city has shaped who I am, and now I want to give back in a more significant way.
WHY RON
Championing Columbia, MO's Growth & Potential
I’m not a career politician — just a neighbor who loves this city and wants to see it thrive. Columbia has been my home for a lifetime, and like many of you, I’ve seen it change over the years. Growth can be exciting, but it’s also created challenges we can’t ignore.
Here’s where I’m rolling up my sleeves to make a difference:
Public Safety: We’re struggling to keep police officers and firefighters here, and it’s putting our safety at risk. A 22-minute wait for a fire truck? That’s unacceptable. I’ll fight for the resources we need to protect our families.
Infrastructure: Columbia is growing, but our infrastructure isn’t keeping up. We need better planning for utilities and public services so we’re prepared for the future.
Affordable Housing: Everyone deserves a chance to call Columbia home, and that means tackling housing costs head-on.
At the end of the day, I want Columbia to be a place we’re proud to call home — not a smaller version of St. Louis or Kansas City, but our own unique, vibrant community.
Support Ron Graves for the 4th Ward!
This campaign isn’t about me — it’s about us. If you care about Columbia, MO and want to make a difference, I’d love for you to be part of this journey.
Volunteer
Help spread the word! Whether it’s knocking on doors, making phone calls, or hosting a neighborhood gathering, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Ready to get connected?
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Donate
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Get Connected
Let's get the conversation going. The best ideas come from listening to the people who live here. If you have thoughts, questions, or just want to say hi, reach out using the form below.