By 
January 7, 2026
The City of Huntsville’s Community Development team made meaningful progress this year toward strengthening neighborhoods, expanding housing access and improving residents’ quality of life. From catalytic redevelopment projects to hands-on home repairs and targeted financial support, 2025 was a year defined by progress, partnership and people-centered impact.
Transforming neighborhoods with Mill Creek
Artistic rendering of Mill Creek Redevelopment Project
One of the most transformative efforts in 2025 was the progress made on the Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood Initiative. With construction set to begin in early 2026, this initiative marks a major investment in mixed-income housing and community infrastructure near downtown Huntsville.
Plans for more than 700 housing units, ranging from universal design and workforce housing to family and market-rate units, reflect the City’s commitment to inclusive growth and neighborhood revitalization.
“Mill Creek isn’t just about building new structures — it’s about honoring existing communities and ensuring residents remain rooted in the place they call home,” Community Development Manager Scott Erwin said. “This project represents inclusive growth at its very best.”
Digital rendering of a multi-family residential development along Governors Drive as part of the Mill Creek Redevelopment Project
In November, the City approved nearly $2 million in interest-free predevelopment funding to support Phase 2 of Mill Creek, which will deliver approximately 100 units of senior housing and create a seamless transition for longtime Johnson Towers residents into safe, accessible homes.
These efforts, combined with the broader $350 million redevelopment vision backed by a prestigious U.S. Housing & Urban Development grant, emphasize Huntsville’s dedication to building not just housing, but thriving communities.
Expanding affordable housing & homeownership
Affordable housing remained a strategic focus throughout 2025, with significant progress made in expanding affordable options through federal grant funds administered by Community Development.
Arbours at Moores Mill senior community
Several major developments moved forward or came online across the city. In northeast Huntsville, Arbours at Moores Mill, an 80-unit senior community, opened and began leasing in November. In northwest Huntsville, construction began in May on Grove at Indian Creek, a 48-unit senior community that is expected to begin leasing in fall 2026.
The City also made considerable investments along Venona Avenue in northwest Huntsville, approving funding for two new family-focused developments: Stone Commons, a 42-unit community, and Parkside Cottages, a 30-unit neighborhood of duplexes offering two- and three-bedroom units designed to support families at varying stages of life.
Digital rendering of Meridian Commons, a new multi-family residential redevelopment to replace Huntsville Summit apartments
Downtown Huntsville saw progress on another major affordable housing effort with the City’s approval of funding for the acquisition and demolition of the former Huntsville Summit apartments. The site will be redeveloped as Meridian Commons, a new 100-unit community that will replace the aging complex with modern, safe and affordable housing.
“These investments reflect a deliberate, citywide strategy to meet residents where they are — whether that’s a senior looking to age in place, a family needing stable housing, or someone working to regain their footing,” Erwin said. “Affordable housing is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and 2025 showed how targeted investments can make a meaningful difference across neighborhoods.”
Artistic rendering of single-family residence, located on Olson Street
In addition to rental housing investments, the City approved a partnership with Family Services Center to build an affordable home on Olson Street, expanding homeownership opportunities for income-qualified families and strengthening neighborhood stability.
City leaders also committed $2.7 million to continue the Huntsville Housing Helps rental and utility assistance program, providing essential support to families facing housing instability.
Additional funding approvals included $300,000 in grants to assist the city’s most vulnerable residents, as well as grant awards to eight local organizations working in community enrichment and development.
And in a milestone year for the department, Community Development added its first full-time Homeless Resource Specialist, strengthening the City’s ability to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with long-term housing solutions.
Community celebrations & improvements
Community Development Planner Jimbo Adkins standing with homeowner Esther Hurt during CDBG Week
2025 was also a year of celebration and visibility for Community Development programs. During National Community Development Week, the City highlighted the powerful impact of federal housing programs through home rehabilitation efforts, including exterior home upgrades for long-time Huntsville resident Esther Hurt.
Routine improvements to community spaces also gained traction. Enhancements at the South Derrick Street Camp brought increased safety and security for campers and visitors, demonstrating the City’s responsive, humane approach to public space management.
“Community development shows up differently depending on the need,” Erwin said. “Sometimes it looks like a brand-new home. Other times, it’s a porch repair or added lighting that helps someone feel safer.”
Advocating for local impact
Community Development Manager Scott Erwin with Housing & Insurance Subcommittee Chairman Mike Flood of Nebraska and Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri
In June, Erwin traveled to Washington to discuss the real-world impact of housing grants with members of Congress, reinforcing Huntsville’s standing as a national example of effective, impactful community development.
“Our role is to demonstrate how grant dollars change real lives on the ground,” he said. “Huntsville continues to be recognized as a place that uses these resources responsibly and strategically.”
Code enforcement education efforts
Throughout the year, Community Development also educated residents on code enforcement topics, including how lawn ordinances encourage community preservation, the purpose of neighborhood sweeps, and the impact of property maintenance ordinances on keeping neighborhoods safe, clean, and thriving.
“Education builds trust,” Erwin said. “When residents understand the ‘why,’ we can work together to keep our neighborhoods strong.”
By the numbers
In 2025, Community Development provided:
- Over $600,000 in funding to construct 6 single-family homes
- Over $5,960,000 in federal funding commitments to construct 3 multi-family developments with over 178 units
- Completed 73 home rehabilitation projects and assisted 43 owners
- Worked with over 500 volunteers on home rehabilitation projects
