City of Huntsville, Housing Authority launch comprehensive portfolio assessment to shape future of public housing

By Erin Owen
Category: City Stories
single-meta-cal May 13, 2026
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The City of Huntsville and the Huntsville Housing Authority (HHA) are teaming up on a long‑range effort to better understand the condition, potential and future needs of the city’s public housing communities. A Phase I Portfolio Assessment will provide a strategic, data‑driven look at more than 1,500 housing units across Huntsville.

The Todd building, a modern multi-story structure with blue and tan facade, is shown from a slightly angled perspective with trees and a street in the foreground.

The Todd public housing, located in downtown Huntsville

The initiative comes at a pivotal moment as Huntsville continues to grow and the landscape of affordable housing evolves. According to City Manager of Urban & Long‑Range Planning Dennis Madsen, the assessment is not only timely but essential.

“The housing landscape is changing, not just for the Housing Authority, but for the Huntsville market in general,” Madsen said. “This process gives us a clearer picture of what exists today, what needs attention and where long‑term opportunities may emerge as our community continues to grow.”

A strategic, long‑term approach

The assessment, led by EJP Consulting Group and planning partner Lord Aeck Sargent, will examine nearly every property in HHA’s portfolio. The only exception is the active redevelopment site at Mill Creek, which is already underway.

The review will include:

  • Evaluating physical conditions, capital needs and long‑term viability
  • Assessing market context and redevelopment potential across neighborhoods
  • Exploring funding tools available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including repositioning programs and future grant opportunities
  • Identifying opportunities for mixed‑income and mixed‑use development
  • Aligning priorities with HHA’s Strategic Plan and the City’s goals for inclusive growth

Madsen emphasized the value of a long‑range roadmap: “These things play out over decades. The assessment helps identify short-, medium- and long‑term needs and provides clarity on which financial mechanisms might support upgrades or redevelopment over time.”

Strengthening coordination between the City and HHA

A row of brick apartment buildings with covered porches and manicured hedges in front, set against a backdrop of green trees and a blue sky.

Northwoods public housing, located along University Drive NW

The assessment will also support better coordination of City‑led improvements near public housing sites. Madsen pointed to major public investments — Holmes Avenue improvements and the North Huntsville Greenway extension — that pass alongside Housing Authority communities.

“It’s a chance to make sure we’re in lockstep with the Housing Authority,” he said. “The way their properties are growing and the way the city is growing should happen in parallel.”

Supporting a broader affordability strategy

The portfolio assessment reflects Huntsville’s broader efforts to preserve and expand affordable housing options. Madsen noted that the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation project underway at Mill Creek demonstrates what aligned planning, funding and partnerships can achieve. But it represents only one piece of a much larger system.

A blue and red playground structure with slides, tunnels, and climbing areas sits on a bed of wood chips surrounded by green grass.

Playground area at Lincoln Park public housing, located along Webster Drive NW

Antonio McGinnis, Executive Director/CEO of the Huntsville Housing Authority, said the assessment also reflects a deep commitment to ensuring residents are not left behind but instead positioned to benefit from the progress taking place across the city as Huntsville continues to grow.

“This comprehensive portfolio assessment represents a proactive step toward preserving and expanding quality affordable housing while creating a long‑term roadmap for future generations,” McGinnis said. “Through strong partnerships with the City of Huntsville and community stakeholders, we are working to build neighborhoods that are safe, sustainable and filled with opportunity for the families we serve.”

Looking ahead

The Phase I assessment, expected to take about five months, is only the first step. Implementation plans for individual sites will follow and will be developed collaboratively by the City and HHA. At the end of the day, Madsen emphasized, the Housing Authority drives decisions on its properties: “This effort simply gives them a strategic roadmap and an easier decision‑making tree going forward.”