By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The City of Huntsville and the Huntsville Housing Authority are launching a long-range review of the city’s public housing communities, a move leaders say will help shape the future of affordable housing as Huntsville continues to grow.
The Phase I Portfolio Assessment will take a detailed look at more than 1,500 housing units across the city. The review is designed to evaluate the condition, future needs, and redevelopment potential of nearly every property in the Housing Authority’s portfolio. The only exception is Mill Creek, where redevelopment is already underway.
City Manager of Urban and Long-Range Planning Dennis Madsen said the work comes at a critical time.
“The housing landscape is changing, not just for the Housing Authority, but for the Huntsville market in general,” Madsen said. “This process gives us a clearer picture of what exists today, what needs attention, and where long-term opportunities may emerge as our community continues to grow.”
The assessment will be led by EJP Consulting Group with planning partner Lord Aeck Sargent. It will examine physical conditions, capital needs, long-term viability, market conditions, and redevelopment possibilities across neighborhoods. It will also explore federal funding tools through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, including programs that could support upgrades, repositioning efforts, or future grant opportunities.
Madsen said the goal is to create a roadmap that looks beyond immediate repairs.
“These things play out over decades,” he said. “The assessment helps identify short-, medium- and long-term needs and provides clarity on which financial mechanisms might support upgrades or redevelopment over time.”
The work is also expected to help the City and Housing Authority better coordinate public investments near housing communities. Madsen pointed to improvements along Holmes Avenue and the North Huntsville Greenway extension as examples of City-led projects that run near Housing Authority properties.
“It’s a chance to make sure we’re in lockstep with the Housing Authority,” he said. “The way their properties are growing, and the way the city is growing, should happen in parallel.”
Housing Authority Executive Director and CEO Antonio McGinnis said the review reflects a commitment to making sure residents benefit from Huntsville’s progress.
“This comprehensive portfolio assessment represents a proactive step toward preserving and expanding quality affordable housing while creating a long-term roadmap for future generations,” McGinnis said.
The Phase I assessment is expected to take about five months. After that, implementation plans for individual sites will be developed collaboratively.
For Huntsville, the effort marks another step in addressing affordability, neighborhood investment, and inclusive growth in one of Alabama’s fastest-growing cities.