by Olivia Discon
On an annual basis, the City of Huntsvillle hosts its “State of the City” address, covering ongoing projects, accomplishments, and future aspirations. On February 25, 2025, community stakeholders gathered to learn just what state our city was in.
The City Secretary’s Office truly outdid themselves this year, taking a different model to the event than in years past. Hosted earlier on in the day, the event had a fantastic turnout. Several community friends, including Michelle Spencer and Tracy Stoudt, were in attendance, along with city staff, directors, and city council.
With a Posting of the Colors by SHSU’s Police Department, the presentation immediately started with what our city’s mission is: Community, mutual respect and reverence for our country, our state, and our city.
The Mayor of Huntsville, Russell Humphrey, took the stage to both welcome the audience, allude to the many incredible and important projects happening within the city, and…
introduce our newly appointed City Manager, Scott Swigert, who was in attendance. We had the opportunity to hear his excitement to serve in this new capacity, and we look forward to him, as a community, to having him serve as a leader. His term begins on March 17, 2025.
Sam Masiel, who has been serving as our Interim City Manager, went on to deliver the State of the City presentation. Covering the I-45 expansion, City Hall construction, and other infrastructure projects, Huntsville is absolutely and positively heading in the direction of growth. And sustainable growth, at that!
Mr. Masiel also covered the housing market in our city, along with other finance and budgetary updates, reflecting the intentional but conservative nature of the city’s budget and the incredible services provided.
In all, the 2025 State of the City address highlighted Huntsville’s progress and the exciting things ahead.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 