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 of Huntsville addresses winter weather impacts, road conditions, delayed openings
January 25, 2026
Dangerously cold temperatures, subzero wind chills and lingering moisture on the roads are expected to impact travel and business operations on Monday morning. A major concern is black ice, particularly in higher elevations and anywhere standing water occurs. “We’ll be driving around, expecting to find ice, so we can close roads before accidents happen,” said Sgt. Chris Jackson, Public Information Officer, Huntsville Police Department. “If you must travel, take your time and [more]
Read MoreHuntsville introduces proposal to name arboretum for longtime Landscape Director Joy McKee
January 22, 2026
The City introduced an ordinance to name the new 3-acre Huntsville Arboretum at John Hunt Park the “Joy McKee Arboretum.” Joy McKee retired after 22 years with the City as the Director of Landscape Management, where she led efforts to substantially expand the City’s natural public spaces, tree canopy and nature-based recreation and educational offerings. She also served for 28 years on the board of Operation Green Team and 26 years [more]
Read MoreHuntsville approves development agreements with Blue Origin and SPX to create more than 450 new jobs
January 22, 2026
The City of Huntsville approved two development agreements that are expected to generate more than 450 new jobs and nearly $200 million in capital investment, reinforcing the city’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation. Blue Origin will invest $71.4 million to expand operations in Cummings Research Park and Jetplex Industrial Park, establishing Alabama as home to its thruster production and creating 105 jobs. In turn, the City will [more]
Read MoreHuntsville approves funding for new affordable housing on Kildare Street
January 22, 2026
The City has taken another step forward in expanding homeownership opportunities by authorizing two agreements with Family Services Center, Inc. (FSC), a certified Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), to construct affordable homes in District 2. The agreements will allow FSC to use federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds to build two three-bedroom homes on Kildare Street. Both projects will be funded with HOME funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and [more]
Read MoreHuntsville approves new City dog park for Cabela Drive
January 22, 2026
For dog owners everywhere, finding a free, safe place for their dogs to stretch their legs and socialize is always in demand. That search will get a little easier as the City approved an engineering design services contract with Mullins, LLC for a 2-acre dog park and parking area on Cabela Drive. Once complete, this will be the fifth City dog park. The $16,700 design contract includes site surveying, fencing, sidewalks [more]
Read MoreSee More Posts: City Council Archive District 1 Archive