email : Webview : Honoring a Hero, Another High Ranking for Huntsville, 450 New Jobs

From the desk of Council Member David Little, District 2

Huntsville City Council • District 2 February 2026

four people pose for photo with flags and screens in background

Honoring an American Hero

Council Member David Little joined with Council Member Jennie Robinson to co-sponsor a resolution honoring the life of retired Air Force Lt. Col Jonathan David Shultz of Huntsville. Shultz served for 21 years in the Air Force and the Alabama Air National Guard in a decorated career, amassing more than 2,400 flight hours that included 423 combat hours across 100 sorties.

Lt. Col. Shultz passed away last year but participated in a groundbreaking clinical trial for brain cancer treatment by donating his brain to medical research in a final demonstration of heroism. His wife, Mary Scott Hunter, and son Caleb accepted the resolution at the Jan.8 Council meeting.

man in beige jacket and sunglasses speaks at podium below building sign that says animal services

And Cosmo Says: Early Spring!

Make your warm-weather plans! Cosmo has declared Huntsville will have an early spring. At the annual Ground Dog Day event at Huntsville Animal Services (HAS), Cosmo sniffed at the "more winter bowl" before showing his clear preference for the food in the "early spring" bowl. Council Members Little and Bill Kling joined HAS Director John Fischer at the event, which provided an opportunity for HAS to promote pet adoption (including Cosmo) as well as highlight public events in the month of February.

city park lagoon with buildings and trees in background

Huntsville Ranked No. 2 in Best Performing Cities

Huntsville was recently named as the No. 2 Best-Performing Large City in the nation by the Milken Institute in its 2026 index. The report highlights strong job growth, industry expansion and housing affordability. “Huntsville has one of the hottest economies in the country,” the report said.

Big Spring Park Expansion on Horizon

The expansion of Big Spring Park East is set to begin after the City approved a construction contract to Fite Construction Company. The expansion will take place at the former site of City Hall at 308 Fountain Circle and will include amenities such as a pavilion with an integrated water feature, public restrooms and accessible walking paths throughout the site.

two men pose for photo with busy hiring fair in background

Supporting Workforce Opportunities

Council Member Little visited the recent hiring event at the Jaycee Community Building sponsored by Career Connect, Alabama Industrial Development Training, Huntsville Housing Authority and the Huntsville Committee of 100. The event offers job seekers, whether they are starting a new career or considering a change, the opportunity to connect directly with hiring managers and take meaningful steps toward their future.

Huntsville's Housing Market Remains Strong

Huntsville’s housing market continues to flourish, the City’s Development Review revealed when it was presented recently to the Planning Commission. Compiled each year by the Planning Department, the report provides insight into Huntsville’s economy and spotlights trends happening throughout the city and includes data such as population estimates, annexations and commercial development.

Find Out More

More than 450 New Jobs

The City approved two development agreements at the Jan. 22 Council meeting that will create more than 450 new jobs and generate almost $200 million in capital investment. Blue Origin will expand its operations in Cummings Research Park and the Jetplex Industrial Park while SPX Enterprises is building a production facility on County Line Road.

Learn More

large group of people in blue shirts posing for photo

Apply Now for Civic Engagement Academy

If you have a desire to learn more about City government and play a role in shaping its future, the spring 2026 cohort of the Civic Engagement Academy is a perfect opportunity. Applications are now being accepted for the free eight-week program hosted by the City’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. The deadline for applying is Friday, Feb. 13, at 10 p.m.

More Details

COMING UP

Feb. 9: Huntsville Historic Preservation Committee Meeting, 4:30 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

Feb. 12: City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

Feb. 17: Board of Zoning Adjustment, 6 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

Feb. 24: Planning Commission Meeting, 5 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

Feb. 26: City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

Feb. 27: City Council Work Session with Huntsville Utilities, 11:30 a.m., Huntsville City Hall

Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

308 Fountain Circle 7th Floor
Huntsville, AL | 35801 US

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.

Subscribe to our email list.