Mayor Battle discusses ‘Big Picture’ at State of the City address

Mayor Tommy Battle addressed a capacity crowd at the Von Braun Center’s Saturn Ballroom Monday, November 9, and discussed the successful year Huntsville has had and what we can expect in the future.

Battle touched on the new businesses coming to the city, along with the expansion of existing businesses, but also introduced the next phase of growth for the Rocket City in “The Big Picture: Next Generation.”

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State of the City + The Big Picture

Battle said there has been plenty to celebrate here in Huntsville, and mentioned the announcement of the new Eli Lilly manufacturing plant, the pending relocation of Space Command’s headquarters to Redstone Arsenal and other big business announcements that have happened over the past year.

He also pointed to the expansion of Huntsville’s greenway network, the growth of the city’s music and sports tourism industries, TIG projects in Limestone County and downtown and major road projects that have moved forward in the last year.

Battle also discussed the original plan for growth put forth about 10 years ago, known as The Big Picture, which combined input from city leaders with input from residents to come up with a bevy of plans to accommodate Huntsville’s growth.

The city turned that plan into new parks, housing, arts and redevelopment. It also led to successful recruitment efforts that brought businesses like Trader Joe’s, IKEA, Topgolf and Cheesecake Factory to Huntsville.

The Big Picture: Next Generation is the second iteration of a forward-looking blueprint for the city, also driven by resident input. This initiative will launch in 2027 with public meetings, conversation and the insight of those who live and work in Huntsville.

The traffic issue

Battle also addressed a hot topic he said is brought to his attention “almost daily,” which is transportation and traffic.

He said one of Huntsville’s immediate needs is a premium transportation system that will elevate the city’s infrastructure.

Extending Interstate 565 east to Shields Road, rebuilding the I-565/Memorial Parkway interchange and adding capacity to U.S. 72 West are Mayor Battle’s top transportation priorities. But he said it will take some cooperation from state and federal agencies.

“Huntsville has done its part to help deliver a half-billion dollars in road improvements. We’ve invested our own tax dollars to accelerate state projects because our growth couldn’t wait.

Now, we need the state and federal governments to step up.”

_{Mayor Tommy Battle}

Battle said Huntsville will keep building on its success to take even more strides in the coming years.

“Our economy is strong. Our opportunities are growing. Our challenges are real. And our future is ours to shape.”

_{Mayor Tommy Battle}

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