Community Development

A division of Urban & Economic Development, the Community Development mission is three-fold; stabilization of lower income neighborhoods, economic empowerment of lower income persons and/or of persons living in lower income neighborhoods, and providing assistance to the special needs population in our community.

NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT & FAIR HOUSING PROGRAMS

We provide incentive programs to improving homes, recreational and neighborhood infrastructure. These programs serve to improve the physical quality of neighborhoods throughout Huntsville. Higher quality neighborhoods increase property values, improve the marketability of space within the buildings and draw business and residents to the area.

Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied homes through our Deferred Home Maintenance Repair Program and World Changers/Community Changers
Construction and rehabilitation of neighborhood parks and other community facilities in qualifying neighborhoods.
Infrastructure – Construction of sewer, drainage, street and sidewalks in qualifying neighborhoods

Click here to learn more about Fair Housing Programs and Public Notifications.

HOME OWNERSHIP PROGRAMS

In order to help build more inclusive communities and stable neighborhoods, Community Development offers several programs to assist first-time homebuyers achieve their dreams of homeownership by providing quality housing at a reasonable price.

CODE ENFORCEMENT

Enforcement of City ordinances related to unsafe buildings, substandard housing, junk and litter, tall grass and weeds, inoperative motor vehicles on right of way, abatement of public nuisances, graffiti, fences and swimming pools. More information on the Code Enforcement webpage.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT & SPECIAL NEEDS

Grants and loans to projects which increase the economic well being of lower income residents and population groups identified as having special needs. Please call 256-427-5400 for more information.

HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN DRAFT

Click here to see the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan Draft

CONTINUUM OF CARE

The Community Development Department’s strategy to reduce and end homelessness includes continued support of the Continuum of Care (CoC) community partners. The purpose of the CoC is to promote communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness, quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families, promote access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families, and optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

As lead of the CoC, Community Development has partnered with North Alabama Coalition for Homelessness and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to coordinate an annual Point-In Time Assessment of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness in Madison, Morgan and Limestone Counties. The assessment allows for distribution of federal funding from the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Acts Program.

Click here to see the 2022 Community Summary on Homelessness.

Click here for a list of homeless resources in Huntsville.