SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
In 2024, the most significant development in Huntsville’s District 1 was the election of Michelle Watkins to the City Council. A trailblazer, Watkins became the first Black woman ever elected to the Council. With eight years of experience as a representative on the Huntsville City School Board, she now brings her extensive background in education and her current role as Lead Management & Program Analyst for the U.S. Army Garrison at Redstone Arsenal to her new position.
Watkins’ ties to District 1 run deep, having graduated from J.O. Johnson High School before earning both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Alabama A&M University. Her dedication to education, public service, and her work at Redstone Arsenal equips her to advocate for the diverse needs of her community. Her personal and professional journey has shaped her vision for the future of Huntsville, and she is eager to make a meaningful impact.
“I’m excited to work alongside my fellow council members and the Mayor,” Council Member Watkins remarked during her first Council meeting. “I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and collaborating with such a great team.”
In addition to this landmark election, District 1 saw several notable achievements in 2024:
• The City approved an agreement with Smith Gee Studio to develop a land use plan for the area where Bob Wade Lane intersects with the Northern Bypass and Memorial Parkway. The plan will focus on identifying optimal uses for this area, with a particular emphasis on residential and retail development.
• A 42-unit multifamily housing project was greenlit on Venona Avenue, partially funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP). This initiative aims to provide safe, affordable housing for homeless and vulnerable individuals. The development, located on land owned by Neighborhood Concepts Inc., will leverage the City’s $2.3 million investment in HOME Investment Partnerships ARP funding to apply for an additional $12.8 million from the State ARP funding via the Alabama Housing Finance Authority.
• City officials are planning upgrades to the Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center, one of the busiest in the city. Feedback collected during public sessions in August will help guide future improvements to both the facility and its programming.
• Huntsville has partnered with Lord Aeck Sargent Inc. to create a master plan for the North Huntsville Beltline, which will include greenway connections from Holmes Avenue to Sparkman Drive. The plan aims to connect pedestrian access with the redevelopment corridor near downtown and the Meek Greenway near Alabama A&M.
• Finally, Toyota Alabama, a major employer in District 1, announced plans to expand production and add over 350 new jobs. Additionally, the plant completed a $49 million solar energy project, expected to meet around 70% of Toyota’s total energy needs.
These developments underscore the positive momentum in District 1, driven by new leadership and significant investments in infrastructure, housing, and economic growth.
