On September 26, Mayor Tommy Battle held the 2023 State of the City Address at the Von Braun Center, noting the challenges and achievements of Huntsville over the last year.

Listed among Huntsville’s feats were the popularity of the Orion Amphitheater, tourism, high national rankings to raise families, population growth, and the ongoing construction of the new federal courthouse.

“Our challenges have only strengthened our resolve. How we tackle them reflects who we are. We are resilient. We are determined, and we’re breaking new barriers every day. We’ve got some of the best minds in the world solving the problems of today so that the world is better tomorrow. Not many communities can say that,” Battle said.

According to Battle, Huntsville had 3.9 million visitors in the last year, amounting to $2.1 B economic impact impacting 22,000 jobs in Huntsville’s hospitality industry. Battle said that tourism expands Huntsville’s economic base, which contributes to capital projects like roads and greenways that improve Huntsville’s quality of life. Around $70 million was invested in that kind of capital project over the last year. Battle said that the city reinvested $175 million over the last five years and aims to invest $200 million more over the next five years.

Over the past year, Huntsville has been home to more than $633 M in new commercial construction. In the last five years, Battle said, businesses have made commercial investment amounting to $2.1 B.

“At this rate, we’re not outgrowing our infrastructure,” he said. “A steady, measured pace allows us to leverage our master plan and target our needs as we look to the future.”

Battle also acknowledged the death of Huntsville Police Officer Garret Crumby, who was shot in the line of duty as well as the critical injury and recovery of Officer Albert Morin. He thanked all those who work in the demanding, dangerous field of public safety.

Battle recognized new city leaders that have been working toward community improvement: Amy Kenum who leads the Geographic Information Systems department, Shaundrika Edwards the new City Clerk, Darlene Duerr who leads Natural Resources, and Randall Stewart who leads Water Pollution Control.

“These are our department heads. These are the people who do the real work in the trenches, and we are really proud of a great city leadership team,” said Battle.

He added that Natural Resources and Water Pollution Control will now be aided by the Sustainability Commission at the recommendation of a stakeholder group that looked into Huntsville’s sustainability efforts and advised that there was a need for an advisory committee.

Battle began his address with an acknowledgement of an injury he sustained while participating in a neighborhood cleanup that resulted in him needing a mobility scooter. At one function, Battle said, his scooter pulled a tablecloth and drinks from a table at an event held by the Huntsville Museum of Art. His address was also segmented by a performance from Alabama A&M University’s famous Maroon and White marching band.

Battle noted that the 2023 State of the City Address was his 15th address of that kind.