What are you proudest of in your tenure as mayor?

Huntsville excels because of our ability to work collaboratively. There is an expectation here that we put egos aside and focus on the greater good. Our administration works hard to build bridges with people and focus on what is best for the public so we can speak with one voice. This doesn’t mean we don’t have differing opinions or different approaches to problem-solving, because we do, and that’s healthy. We engage in robust discussions and value input from all perspectives, but whatever the outcome, we move forward as a team and support each other. It’s a model that allows us to be creative, to be more efficient with taxpayer dollars, and to be the kind of city where businesses and corporations want to locate. Huntsville’s government is highly regarded for being consistent, dependable and responsible. You know what to expect, and you know we are going to deliver. You can’t say that about many cities today.

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen?

When I first came into office, there were pockets of prosperity in Huntsville. We immediately worked to build an economy where there would be opportunities for everyone to be a part of Huntsville’s success story. Opportunity is the key – providing everyone with access to quality education, jobs, and a high quality of life. Today, I am proud to say there is healthy growth and opportunity in every sector of Huntsville, and no one should be left out or left behind.

What major plans have come to fruition?

The diversification of our economy. Since 2008, we’ve worked hard to diversify our workforce options, and through that success, we’ve been able to add 46,000 direct new jobs and many more indirect jobs. Our median income has grown by 74% and is 37% higher than the U.S. average.

Through The BIG Picture master plan, our urban development team created a list of opportunity sites across downtown and along Memorial Parkway, and today, every one of the downtown sites has a project completed or under construction, and we’ve revitalized the Parkway with dozens of commercial infill developments. The City has proactively expanded and built new schools, libraries, public parks, recreation centers and public amenities in every area of Huntsville. As a result, for the first time in decades, we’re seeing beautiful new homes under construction in north Huntsville.

We’ve also focused on our infrastructure. Everything from major roads to resurfacing local streets, more greenways, expanded sewer and utilities, a fiber network for high-speed internet connectivity, urban redevelopment projects, new industrial parks and updates to Cummings Research Park (CRP).

A number of public-private partnerships have been game-changers, too. Twickenham Square and the Belk Hudson Lofts helped spark efforts to create a thriving downtown. Redstone Gateway added 2.7 million square feet of office space to help with tenant overflow from CRP. When Madison Square Mall closed, we were able to partner with CRP to reimagine the site and create MidCity. Now we have new retail and living options, The Orion Amphitheater and Apollo Park. These are just some of the many factors that make a smart place.

What do you still hope to accomplish?

We want to continue to diversify our economy and job offerings. In addition to the mayoral task forces on biotech, energy, cyber and geospatial, we’ve created a Sustainability Commission and a new AI task force. Our goal is to make certain we stay on the forefront and benefit from new technologies. Our urban development department is focused on expanding industrial parks and developing new growth corridors. We’re master planning the area south of I-565 and west of Huntsville International Airport. Transportation remains at the forefront, too. Everything from multimodal options for bike, pedestrian, greenway connectivity to public transit improvements and the next generation of road plans for Huntsville, Madison County and North Alabama. All the things necessary to keep moving forward and providing a robust economy for the region.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

I honestly enjoy my job – governing and talking to people about the city, understanding what we can do better, hearing about services the public wants and needs; and whatever it is that we as a community need to do to remain a great city. That cuts out a lot of time for other things, but it’s what I enjoy most.

Long before I was mayor, I owned and operated a restaurant and used to participate in a barbecue team, so cooking remains a pleasure for me at home. I’ve had to give up tennis and golf but fortunately my job allows me to do a lot of things I love, like attending sporting events, lectures, theater, concerts and museum exhibitions. I love reading and learning, and one of my favorite things to do is to sit down with someone and hear about their life and expertise. It’s a privilege to meet with other thought leaders and learn how they do things and why.

What is your favorite spot in Huntsville?

I enjoy having time to sit on my back patio. There’s a small garden with a fountain, and it’s a place where I can relax and read a book or newspaper and have some quiet time. My cat, Lulu, likes it too.

Would you like to talk about your family?

I am fortunate my son Drew and his wife, Lauren, decided to live here and raise their family. This allows me the grand opportunity of spending time with them and my grandsons, George and Benjamin. I am able to attend their soccer and football games and other events at school. It is a blessing to be a part of their lives.