Council Member Michelle Watkins
Michelle Watkins is a proud native of Huntsville, deeply committed to her community and dedicated to giving every voice a platform. She believes that true leadership involves understanding the concerns of her neighbors and actively advocating for solutions that benefit all residents.
Michelle’s journey to the City Council is marked by perseverance and a lifelong dedication to making a difference. With eight years of experience on the Huntsville City School Board, she is eager to drive positive change within the district and beyond.
As a lifelong resident of Huntsville, Michelle graduated from James Oliver Johnson High School before pursuing higher education at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Master’s in Secondary Education, and an Education Specialist Degree. Her commitment to leadership is further exemplified by her graduation from Leadership Huntsville Focus Class 27 and her certification as an Oracle Instructor.
City Council approves formation of North Alabama Public Energy District
July 25, 2025
The Huntsville City Council approved a resolution to form the North Alabama Public Energy District, comprised of Huntsville Utilities, the City of Athens, and the Water Works, Sewer and Gas Board of the City of Scottsboro. A similar resolution was previously approved by the Athens and Scottsboro city councils. The resolution passed by the Huntsville City Council appoints Huntsville Utilities President and CEO Wes Kelley to the Energy District board of directors. The [more]
Read MoreChanging habits, saving lives: One year under Huntsville’s Hands-Free Ordinance
July 25, 2025
It’s been a year since Huntsville spotlighted the dangers of distracted driving with its Hands-Free Ordinance – and while the road to lasting change is still being paved, city leaders said improvements are evident. The ordinance, which prohibits drivers from physically holding an electronic device, took effect in January 2024. Following a six-month education period, the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) began enforcing the ordinance in July 2024. District 2 Council Member [more]
Read MoreCity eyes 572-acre annexation in north Huntsville
July 24, 2025
The City introduced a request to annex 572.48 acres in north Huntsville at Thursday’s Council meeting. The request was only an introduction and is expected to be considered by the Council at its Aug. 14 meeting. The land is north of Bob Wade Lane and bisected by Mt. Lebanon Road. The Sam and Rosa Harris Family Farm LLC submitted the request for annexation. The land is expected to be developed through a [more]
Read MoreCity of Huntsville names Gene Uhl as new Information Technology Services Director
July 24, 2025
Gene Uhl, Director of Information Technology Services, City of Huntsville The City of Huntsville is pleased to announce the appointment of Gene Uhl as the new Director of Information Technology Services (ITS). A seasoned technology leader with more than 42 years of experience, Uhl brings a wealth of technical expertise, leadership and a deep commitment to public service. Uhl has been a valued member of the City’s ITS Department for the past [more]
Read MoreCity acquires former federal courthouse in downtown Huntsville
July 24, 2025
The former U.S. Courthouse on Holmes Avenue The Huntsville City Council approved an agreement with the General Services Administration to acquire the vacant former U.S. Courthouse on Holmes Avenue after federal court offices relocated to its new facility at 660 Gallatin St. SW. The long-planned transaction is a property swap and involves no money. The City donated the 4.76 acres for the U.S. Courthouse that opened earlier this year near the Huntsville [more]
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