State of the City: Mayor Battle highlights building for the future in annual address
After a year of national accolades and historic growth, Mayor Tommy Battle outlined Huntsville’s forward-looking approach Tuesday during his annual State of the City address at the Von Braun Center.
It was Mayor Battle’s 14th address since being elected in 2008. The sold-out gathering was hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and is the group’s largest annual event.
The theme of Mayor Battle’s address was Quality of Life Infrastructure. He explained that investments in roads, greenways, parks and other amenities benefit citizens but are also being made with future generations in mind.
“They are the ones who will benefit from the investments we make today,” Mayor Battle said. “That’s why everything we plan, develop and build is done with transparency and prudence. It is done with purpose, a strategy.”
Among the many projects to see fruition over the next few years is the second phase of Mayor Battle’s Restore Our Roads initiative. The projects, which will cost an estimated $800 million, will enhance traffic flow around the City and in and out of Redstone Arsenal.
“With growth, we may not be able to provide an 18-minute commute for everyone, but we’re working to keep traffic moving, safe, and manageable,” Mayor Battle said. “None of these projects would be possible without careful planning, wise spending and strong relationships with our regional, state and federal partners.”
Mayor Battle also touched on the City’s historic growth in the commercial, industrial and residential construction sectors. He said the City’s Inspections Department issued more certificates of occupancy in the last year since the department began keeping records in 1983.
Mayor Battle also highlighted the 24% growth in employment in the Huntsville metro area over the past 12 years.
“Anyone who wants a well-paying job in Huntsville can find one,” he said. “Now that we’re on the map, folks are checking us out. We’re in the enviable position, and we’ve got great stories to tell.”
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