Council member, planners to discuss ongoing initiatives at public meeting
Published on October 9, 2023
No matter how you travel in Huntsville, whether taking a drive or a scenic walk, planning played a key role in the construction of streets and sidewalks.
Planning also guided the development of everything from single-family homes to retail stores and restaurants. Those who enjoy seeing a show at The Orion Amphitheater or watching a soccer match at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium should also thank a City planner.
To that end, the City’s planning team is celebrating National Community Planning Month, an annual observance presented by the American Planning Association. The month honors those who work behind the scenes to create safer, resilient, more equitable and more prosperous communities.
“As we continue to recover from the disruptive changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, planning continues to play an important role in our community,” said Dennis Madsen, Huntsville’s Manager of Urban & Long-Range Planning. “Taking a comprehensive perspective, we continue to learn from our past and look to the future as we seek to improve the well-being of all our residents.”
There are several ways the community can learn more about the planning profession, including a public event at the South Huntsville Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. District 3 Council Member Jennie Robinson will be joined by Huntsville planners to discuss ongoing planning initiatives and how census data helps drive decision-making.
Other activities this month include exhibitions showcasing the planning profession at the South, North and Downtown locations of the library. The Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center will host a Kidstropolis Event from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28. The family-friendly event is geared toward students of all ages to promote planning through hands-on and interactive activities.
Finally, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle will proclaim October as Community Planning Month at the next Huntsville City Council meeting on Thursday, Oct. 12.
“Our City is a great place to live, work and play, and much of our success is owed to planning,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “Planners are tasked with making tough decisions that ensure Huntsville’s success, and we’re fortunate to have not only a great master plan, but a great team to implement it.”
Visit The Big Picture website to learn more about how the City’s master plan shapes and directs future growth. Click here to learn more about National Community Planning Month.