By 
January 7, 2025
The biggest story in Huntsville’s District 1 in 2024 was the election of Michelle Watkins as the new City Council member.
A former eight-year representative on the Huntsville City School Board, Watkins made history as the first Black woman elected to the City Council. With a strong background as an educator and now as a Lead Management & Program Analyst for the U.S. Army Garrison at Redstone Arsenal, she brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
Watkins has deep roots in District 1, having graduated from J.O. Johnson High School and later earning both an undergraduate and master’s degree from Alabama A&M University. Her commitment to education and public service, along with her work at Redstone Arsenal, makes her uniquely qualified to represent the diverse needs of her district. Her personal and professional experiences have shaped her vision for the future of Huntsville, and she’s ready to make a meaningful impact.
“I’m looking forward to working with the other council members and the Mayor,” Council Member Watkins said during her first Council meeting. “I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work with a great group of people.”
The highlighted area outlines the scope of a North Gateway study area. The map projects completion of Northern Bypass (State Highway 255) to Memorial Parkway and continuing east to Winchester Road.
Other D1 highlights include:
- Huntsville approved an agreement with Smith Gee Studio to create a land use plan for the area where Bob Wade Lane and the under-construction Northern Bypass intersect with Memorial Parkway. The plan will focus on identifying the best uses for the area, with an emphasis on new residential and retail developments.
- The City also approved a project to build a 42-unit multifamily development, partially funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), aimed at providing safe, affordable housing for the homeless and vulnerable groups. Located on Venona Avenue, the development will be built on land owned by Neighborhood Concepts Inc., which plans to leverage the City’s $2.3 million investment in HOME Investment Partnerships ARP funding to apply for an additional $12.8 million in State ARP funding through the Alabama Housing Finance Authority.
- City leaders are also looking at upgrades for the Dr. Richard Showers, Sr., Recreation Center, which consistently ranks among the busiest in the city. Feedback gathered during public sessions in August will help guide improvements to both the facility and its programming.
- Huntsville has partnered with Lord Aeck Sargent Inc. to develop a master plan for the North Huntsville Beltline. This plan will focus on creating greenway connections from Holmes Avenue to Sparkman Drive, bridging the gap between the pedestrian access and redevelopment corridor near downtown and the Meek Greenway near Alabama A&M.
- Lastly, Toyota Alabama, one of District 1’s largest employers, announced plans to expand production and create over 350 new jobs. Additionally, the plant completed a $49 million solar project that will generate around 70% of Toyota’s total energy needs.
In November 2024, Toyota cut the ribbon on a $49 million solar facility spanning 168 acres and generating up to 62,000 megawatt-hours annually.
