email : Webview : One year of Hands Free Ordinance, Future of Goldsmith-Schiffman Field, Jazz in the ParkD2 Public Meeting Recap, Reading to Students, New Historytudents,

From the desk of Council Member David Little, District 2

Huntsville City Council • District 2 August 2025

man on left speaking at podium while police officers on right listen

Focused Drivers, Safer Streets

Council Member David Little participated in a news conference with Huntsville Police Department (HPD) Chief Kirk Giles and Sgt. Christopher Jackson to discuss the first year of enforcement of the City’s hands-free ordinance. The law, passed by the City Council in 2023, prohibits drivers handling electronic devices in an effort to make Huntsville’s streets safer. Enforcement of the ordinance went into effect on July 1, 2024, following a six-month education period. While HPD issued 190 citations for violations and 112 written warnings, the numbers are not the primary focus. “It’s about changing behavior, not punishing it,” Little said.

Public Meeting on Goldsmith Schiffman Field

Join Council Member Little for a public meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 5:30 p.m. at the Optimist Recreation Center, 703 Oakwood Ave. The focus of the meeting will be on renovation plans for Goldsmith Schiffman Field, 320 Beirne Ave., near Five Points. The City last year entered into a design services contract with Foresite Group to begin design work on the project at the longtime sports landmark. General Services Director Ricky Wilkinson will also attend the meeting.

man on right speaking in microphone as woman on left listens

Celebrating 70 Years at Burritt on the Mountain

As Burritt on the Mountain celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, Council Member Little presented a Council resolution to Burritt’s executive director, Melanie Thornton. Burritt has long been a north Alabama favorite with its spectacular mountain views as well as its mission to historical preservation while also enhancing educational, artistic and recreational experiences. In part, the resolution said, “Burritt aims to be a leading destination for those seeking enrichment and discovery, offering an environment where history is preserved, the present is celebrated, and the future is thoughtfully embraced.”

Read the Resolution

Civic Engagement Academy Applications

Don’t miss your chance to apply for the 2025 Civic Engagement Academy (CEA) fall cohort. Hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the CEA offers behind-the-scenes insight into City departments and their roles in keeping Huntsville running. The CEA is an eight-week program that begins Sept. 16 and continues each Tuesday night through Nov. 4. The sessions provide hands-on learning experience and direct access to department heads and City staff. Applications close on Aug. 8.

Gearing Up for Jazz in the Park-Huntsville

The countdown is on for Jazz in the Park-Huntsville, a series of free outdoor concerts throughout the month of September that has become a favorite annual event in Huntsville. The City and Downtown Huntsville Inc. recently announced the talented lineup of artists who will be performing on the Big Spring Park West stage. The fun begins Sunday, Sept. 7, with headliner Phil Denny. The concert series will continue each Sunday, culminating on Sept. 28. Pack a chair or a blanket and make plans to attend.

large crowd under lights at rustic indoor venue

Group of people interacting in historic depot

woman in blue shirt pointing to poster on easel

Historic Huntsville Depot Public Input Sessions

The City recently held two public input sessions to receive feedback and ideas on the future of the historic Huntsville Depot and the 7-acre site upon which it sits, which includes the Roundhouse event center. The City recently obtained control of the site and is exploring ideas on how best to utilize the area on the north side of downtown. One thing that is certain: the Depot building will remain. The best utilization of the three-story, 10,000-square-foot building is to be determined but there is no consideration to removing it from the site. Stay tuned for more opportunities to provide input on the Depot this fall.

Read the Blog

firefighters standing in uniform at graduation

Huntsville Fire & Rescue Marks Graduation

Huntsville Fire & Rescue (HFR) recently held graduation for Cadet Class 59 that have now joined HFR as firefighters. The 15 graduates successfully completed physical and classroom tests before beginning their six-month training with emphasis on firefighting techniques as well as instruction to be emergency medical technicians.

Learn More

Police officers in uniform stand in front of audience at graduation

Huntsville Police Celebrates Graduation

Congratulations to the eight new officers joining the Huntsville Police Department following their graduation from the 72nd Police Academy Session. The graduation was held July 3 at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering and celebrated the conclusion of 20 weeks of intensive training. Thank you to these gentlemen for their commitment to serve and protect the citizens of Huntsville.

Find Out More

COMING UP

Aug. 11: Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission Meeting, 4:30 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

Aug. 12: District 2 Public Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Optimist Recreation Center, 703 Oakwood Ave. NE

Aug. 13: Zoning Committee Meeting, 7:30 a.m., Huntsville City Hall

Aug. 14: City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

Aug. 19: Board of Zoning Adjustment Meeting, 6 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

Aug. 20: Subdivision Committee Meeting, 7:30 a.m., Huntsville City Hall

Aug. 21: Beautification Awards, 9-10:30 a.m., Jaycee Community Building, 2200 Jaycee Way.

Aug. 26: Planning Commission Meeting, 5 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

Aug. 28: City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

Sept. 1: Labor Day, Municipal Offices Closed

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Huntsville, AL | 35801 US

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