Insights from a “City Fellow” Experience

by Macey Schank

As a City Fellows intern, I’m spending the summer working with the Huntsville City Manager’s Office and learning all about how a city operates. As part of this well-rounded experience, I attended a City Council meeting to gain a deeper understanding of how decisions are made and how various municipal departments collaborate through the council’s leadership.

This was my very first time attending a council meeting, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Before the meeting began, I had the chance to reconnect with several city officials from different departments, including my former supervisors Penny Joiner, the Parks Director, and Kristy Wheeler, the Parks Administrative and Recreation Coordinator, from my previous internship with Parks and Recreation.

The meeting opened with a call to order and a proclamation from Mayor Humphrey declaring July as Parks and Recreation Month, recognizing the vital role the department plays in enriching our city. From there, the agenda moved into voting on public improvement projects and grant funding, including items related to airport improvements, water erosion issues, and enhancements to the public library with a new makerspace. The meeting itself was structured and efficient, a far less confusing experience than I had imagined. It moved smoothly from one item to the next, with each discussion focused and purposeful.

Observing the council in action was much more engaging than I expected. It gave me a practical look at how parliamentary procedures are applied and how council members and city staff work together to serve the public.

Attending the meeting helped me connect the dots between the work I’ve done this summer and how those efforts support broader city goals. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes effort and preparation that go directly into the policy discussions and project planning at the council level.

Before becoming a City Fellows intern, I had no idea how much coordination and planning go into city operations. This internship has not only helped me build real-world skills that will strengthen my resume, but it has also made me a more informed and engaged member of the community. I now have a better understanding of how local government functions, and these firsthand experiences have given me a foundation to build on in future roles.