ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

Huntsville Code of Ordinances ch. 2, art. VII, div. 2

in effect

Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 2-322 Administration department established.

Sec. 2-322. Administration department established. (a) The administration department is hereby created. The administration department provides the administrative and logistics structure necessary for the orderly operations of certain offices supporting the duties of the mayor, city council, and the various departments of the city. Where necessary to advance administrative, personnel, and financial processes, the department shall be under the supervision of the city administrator, serving as department head. (b) Offices assigned to the administration department shall be the office of the mayor; the communications office; the office of economic and urban development; the office of multicultural affairs; and the office of infrastructure development. (Ord. No. 23-322, § 1, 4-27-2023) (Ord. No. 26-832, adopted 9-24-2026; published 9-30-2026)

Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 2-323 Office of the mayor established.

Sec. 2-323. - Office of the mayor established. The office of the mayor is hereby created as a division of the administration department. This office shall provide the necessary organizational structure to which the mayor's immediate staff is assigned and shall perform the essential functions supporting the mayor in his role as chief executive of the city, including the mayor's supervision and oversight of the various departments of the city. (Ord. No. 23-322, § 1, 4-27-2023)

Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 2-324 Position of city administrator established.

Sec. 2-324. - Position of city administrator established. (a) The position of city administrator is hereby created and assigned to the office of the mayor. The city administrator, whose qualifications are established by the mayor, shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to the approval of the city council as provided by law. The city administrator shall hold office for the term of the mayor making the appointment. The city administrator shall be under the general supervision and control of the mayor. Generally, the city administrator shall be available to councilmembers to respond to requests for information related to city programs or activities pertinent to the performance of a councilmember's duties. (b) The duties of the city administrator, which shall be performed in accordance with applicable laws, include the following: (1) Serves as department head for the administration department. (2) In matters related to his office and, more broadly, the operations of the city through its various departments, the city administrator shall serve as an executive director of the city, directly assisting and advising the mayor in management of the city. He shall prepare special reports and attend special meetings as may be required by the mayor. The city administrator shall assist and collaborate with the mayor in the development, implementation, and furtherance of city goals, plans, and policies. (3) Provides general supervision, oversight, and control of the following departments: general services, human resources, information technology services, parks and recreation, police, fire and rescue, animal services, cemetery, landscape management, parking and public transit, and public works. (4) Makes decisions on situations or major matters that do not require the mayor's personal action; assists extensively in promoting public interest and understanding of city activities across the full breadth of all city departments. (5) Executes general and special assignments including investigations or surveys, in any phase of municipal administration; formulates recommendations for action by the mayor to adopt or alter policies and procedures. (6) Represents the mayor at meetings of public and private organizations, committees, and associations; substitutes for the mayor at city council meetings, work sessions, or other agency meetings in the absence of the mayor. (7) Confers with citizens and civic organizations and responds to their questions, concerns, and recommendations. (8) Reviews budget requests from the various departments and recommends the necessary decisions to be presented to the mayor and city council; assists the finance director in development and presentation of the mayor's annual budget documents. (9) Manages the development and execution of the 1990 capital improvement plan. (10) Addresses civic organizations, professional organizations, community groups, and the media regarding the activities and programs of the city; advances the city's public relations goals. (11) Directly monitors and advances interdepartmental communications, collaboration, and coordination. (12) Communicates decisions of the mayor to department heads or other business units of the city and ensures compliance with the mayor's directed policy or procedures as may be required. (13) Serves on various boards, commissions, and committees, as directed by the mayor or as may be provided for by applicable laws, including the ordinances of the city. (14) Monitors critical, special, and unusual events affecting the city and provides briefings to the mayor and other public officials as needed. (15) Performs related work as required and performs duties required by ordinance or resolution. (Ord. No. 23-322, § 1, 4-27-2023)

Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 2-325 Position of external relations and industrial recruitment officer established.

Sec. 2-325. Position of external relations and industrial recruitment officer established. (a) The position of external relations and industrial recruitment officer is established and assigned to the office of the mayor. The external relations and industrial recruitment officer, whose qualifications are established by the mayor, shall be appointed by the mayor subject to the approval of the city council as provided by law and shall be under the direct supervision and control of the mayor. The external relations and industrial recruitment officer shall hold office for the term of the mayor making the appointment. Generally, the external relations and industrial recruitment officer shall be available to councilmembers to respond to requests for information or questions related to matters under the general control of the external relations and industrial recruitment officer which are pertinent to the performance of a councilmember's duties. (b) The duties of the external relations and industrial recruitment officer, which shall be performed in accordance with applicable laws, include the following: (1) Serves as a liaison between the city and various external audiences such as other governing bodies and elected officials, trade groups, businesses, non- profit organizations, or other groups desiring to collaborate with the city. (2) Works with government relations consultants to establish policy goals, monitors proposed legislation, and advocates for issues important to the city; performs contract management duties providing oversight to the various government relations contracts of the city. (3) Publishes regular reports to department heads of the city on proposed legislation or matters before state and federal legislative or regulatory bodies of consequence to municipal functions; gathers input from department heads for communication to the legislative or regulatory bodies and the city’s government relations consultants. (4) In collaboration with the director of economic and urban development, the Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Department of Commerce, and other agencies monitors opportunities for industrial development within the city; develops responses to requests for proposal. (5) In coordination with the Chamber of Commerce and the director of economic and urban development, plans and hosts industry site visits and negotiates agreements for city support or services required to accomplish their siting and operations within the city. (6) Maintains relationships with and monitors local business conditions for existing major employers and industries; assists with opportunities for existing industry to expand and reposition within the city. (7) Coordinates with the director of economic and urban development and senior director of engineering in establishing site opportunities and corridor development required to facilitate continued industrial growth into the future, both near and long term. (8) Represents the mayor and city at events and meetings with other government officials, industrial representatives, and private organizations on broad topics related to the governance and economic conditions of the city and region, at local, national, or international locations as required. (9) Drafts memos, letters, articles, talking points, speeches, and other forms of communication for the mayor in consultation with the director of communication. (10) Performs research on diverse topics needed by the mayor to make informed decisions or to stay abreast of pertinent issues. (11) Assists in coordinating special activities within the office of the mayor. (12) Performs related work as required and performs any and all duties that may be required of him by ordinance or resolution or at the direction of the mayor or city administrator. (Ord. No. 23-322, § 1, 4-27-2023) (Ord. No. 26-832, adopted 9-24-2026; published 9-30-2026)

Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 2-330 Office of economic and urban development established.

Sec. 2-330. - Office of economic and urban development established. The office of economic and urban development is established. The office shall be under the general supervision and control of the director of economic and urban development. The director of economic and urban development, whose qualifications are established by the mayor, shall be appointed by the mayor subject to the approval of the city council as provided by law. The director of economic and urban development shall hold office for the term of the mayor making the appointment. The director of economic and urban development shall be under the direct supervision and control of the mayor. Generally, the director of economic and urban development shall be available to councilmembers to respond to requests for information or questions related to matters under the general control of the director of economic and urban development which are pertinent to the performance of a councilmember's duties. (Ord. No. 23-322, § 1, 4-27-2023)

Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 2-331 Duties of the director of economic and urban development.

Sec. 2-331. Duties of the director of economic and urban development. The duties of the director of economic and urban development, which shall be performed in accordance with applicable laws, include the following: (1) In matters related to his office and, more broadly, the operations of the city through its various departments, the director of economic and urban development shall serve as an executive director of the city, directly assisting and advising the mayor in management of the city. He shall prepare special reports and attend special meetings as may be required by the mayor. The director of economic and urban development shall assist and collaborate with the mayor and other executive directors of the city in the development, implementation, and furtherance of city goals, plans, and policies. (2) Coordinates all aspects of the city’s economic development programs and initiatives; ensures continuous communications, coordination, and collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, Redstone Arsenal leadership, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and other agencies/organizations involved in job creation, private development, and general economic growth throughout the City, including industry and trade associations. (3) Provides broad oversight to all the City’s planning and development functions, particularly ensuring coordination and collaboration between the various departments and divisions performing community master planning, visioning of city development strategies, land-use designations, and transportation network development. (4) Encourages, actively pursues, and sets general conditions for commercial, industrial, hospitality, residential, retail, and other forms of private investment and economic activities throughout the city. (5) Focuses on the development of research park and industrial park properties throughout the city; provides the city's primary oversight of development and maintenance of Cummings Research Park, collaborating with the research park manager. (6) Coordinates and collaborates with the city administrator, senior director of engineering, and the various departments of the city for development and resourcing of all public infrastructure required for effective functioning of city services throughout the community. (7) Maintains relationships with and monitors local business conditions for existing major employers and industries; assists with opportunities for existing industry to expand and reposition within the city. (8) Represents the mayor and city at events and meetings with other government officials, industrial representatives, and private organizations on broad topics related to the governance and economic conditions of the city and region, at local, national, or international locations as required. (9) Is directly and continuously involved in the development, management, and execution of the city’s capital improvement plans. (10) Provides general supervision, oversight, and control of the following departments: community development, inspection, natural resources, and planning. (11) Ensures sound administrative management of the day-to-day functioning of the departments under his supervision, including but not limited to, budget execution and human resource functions. (12) Performs related work as required, and performs any and all duties that may be required of him by ordinance or resolution. (Ord. No. 23-322, § 1, 4-27-2023) (Ord. No. 26-832, adopted 9-24-2026; published 9-30-2026)

Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 2-332 Position of deputy director of economic and urban development established.

Sec. 2-332. Position of deputy director of economic and urban development established. (a) The position of deputy director of economic and urban development is hereby established. The deputy director of economic and urban development, whose qualifications are established by the mayor, shall be appointed by the mayor subject to the approval of the city council as provided by law and shall hold office for the term of the mayor making the appointment. The deputy director of economic and urban development shall be under the direct supervision and control of the director of economic and urban development. Generally, the deputy director of economic and urban development shall be available to council members to respond to requests for information or questions related to matters under the general control of the deputy director of economic and urban development which are pertinent to the performance of a councilmember's duties. (b) The duties of the deputy director of economic and urban development, which shall be performed in accordance with applicable laws, include the following: (1) Assists the director of economic and urban development in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating the city's activities aimed at development of the economy and urbanized area. (2) Assists the director of economic and urban development in planning, organizing, and directing the city's planning functions; reviews the compilation, analysis, and interpretation of data affecting urban planning and development; participates in preparation of comprehensive reports based upon careful research and study of planning problems. (3) Coordinates with city officials and other departments and agencies on new or contemplated public and private projects and public/private partnership developments including residential, retail, industrial, and other commercial developments. (4) Represents the director of economic and urban development, when needed, as technical advisor to the planning commission and the metropolitan planning organization on city planning and development matters; assists with evaluating and recommending projects and programs to be undertaken; coordinates with government agencies and officials in the metropolitan area. (5) Assists the director of economic and urban development with negotiating contractual agreements related to development between the city, private investors, state government departments and other agencies. (6) Assists the director of economic and urban development with representing the mayor at public meetings with state and federal officials and industry leaders. (7) Assists the director of economic and urban development with preparing and coordinating legislative actions with state legislative delegation. (8) Assists with the preparation and delivering of speeches to public and private organizations. (9) Performs related work as required and performs any and all duties that may be required of him by ordinance or resolution. (Ord. No. 23-322, § 1, 4-27-2023) (Ord. No. 26-832, adopted 9-24-2026; published 9-30-2026)

Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 2-336 Communications office established.

Sec. 2-336. - Communications office established. The communications office is hereby established. The communications office shall be under the general supervision and control of the director of communications, who may also be referred to as the communications director. The communications director, whose qualifications are established by the mayor, shall be appointed by the mayor subject to the approval of the city council as provided by law. The communications director shall hold office for the term of the mayor making the appointment. The communications director shall be under the general supervision and control of the mayor. The communications director shall be available to councilmembers to respond to requests for information or questions related to matters under the general control or responsibility of the communications director and shall provide direct support to the office of the city council's communications requirements and those of the individual councilmembers in the performance of their official duties. (Ord. No. 23-322, § 1, 4-27-2023)

Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 2-337 Duties of the director of communications.

Sec. 2-337. - Duties of the director of communications. The duties of the director of communications, which shall be performed in accordance with applicable laws, include the following: (1) Oversees the city's public communications, media, public relations, public affairs, brand identity, and marketing strategies; serves as a key advisor to the mayor, city council, and department heads in decisions that impact the reputation of the city and well-being of a wide variety of stakeholders. (2) Coordinates the city's public communications activities amongst all departments of the city; manages all aspects of the communications and marketing requirements in support of key initiatives and programs for the mayor, city council, and city departments. (3) Responsible for development and implementation of complex, comprehensive communications programs and activities for the city; creates and executes special initiatives for the city in support of departments. (4) Develops and coordinates implementation of the city's communications policies and procedures. (5) Creates, distributes, and promotes public information products for the city. (6) Provides comprehensive oversight of the city's media relations which includes oversight for media requests, news conferences, news releases, speeches, talking points, and presentations. (7) Prepares news releases from the mayor, city council, and departments of the city; prepares program announcements; arranges news conferences; responds to information requests from local, state, national, and trade media; ensures timely and accurate public information of city operations, projects and policies, city council actions, crisis/disaster communications, economic development initiatives, and awareness campaigns through traditional media, social media and the internet. (8) Provides communication support to the city in intergovernmental initiatives at local, state, and federal level; assists with the support of industrial recruitment and economic development initiatives of the city. (9) Prepares speeches, presentations, and talking points for the mayor, other city officials, and partner agencies on the full breadth of municipal government topics. (10) Plans and executes special events; represents the city in presentations to local civic organizations and professional associations; represents the city at local, regional, and national industry conferences and trade shows; conducts research to support initiatives of the mayor, city council, and the various departments. (11) Provides editorial guidance and oversight in the preparation and execution of departmental print and digital marketing and informational materials that promote and brand the city or inform its citizens. (12) Works collaboratively with departments to integrate appropriate civic engagement platforms such as IdeaScale, See-Click-Fix, or other software programs that benefit citizens. (13) Works closely with key community partners including the chamber of commerce, the convention and visitor's bureau, the sports commission, and the airport authority on economic marketing and promotion strategies for the city. (14) Oversees the operation of and programming for the city's government television and video services which includes public interest talk shows, public service announcements, video of news conferences, live broadcasts of city meetings, and announcements from non-profit agency partners. (15) Oversees the city's digital media in public communication including the website, social media, digital newsletters, on-line town halls, public surveys, and customer service tools; provides web oversight including content creation, training content editors, branding and design of supporting department web pages/sites; oversees for content/branding/design and training content editors for department social media channels and electronic newsletters; provides training and oversight for department web and newsletter editors and social media teams; oversees internet content standards and social media guidelines to inform community members about city services. (16) Maintains the city's brand, image, graphics, and identity standards as it relates to the brand including logo, seal, and their use on city signage. (17) Oversees customer service initiatives and processes that ensure citizens' needs, comments, concerns, and requests are addressed in a timely manner. (18) Provides oversight and strategic planning for organizational information to city employees through employee newsletters and departmental staff meetings, as well as weekly information from specific departments, to include topics related to changes in employee benefits, city compensation systems, significant city projects, staff development and training, city policies and updates on mayoral and city council initiatives/activities. (19) Supervises the communications staff including videographer, digital media specialist and other personnel as assigned; manages various contracts delivering support to communications and marketing efforts as required. (20) Performs related work as required and performs all duties that may be required of him by ordinance or resolution. (Ord. No. 23-322, § 1, 4-27-2023)

Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 2-341 Office of multicultural affairs established.

Sec. 2-341. Office of multicultural affairs established. The office of multicultural affairs is hereby established. The office of multicultural affairs shall be under the general supervision and control of the director of multicultural affairs. The director of multicultural affairs shall be appointed by the mayor subject to the approval of the city council as provided by law and shall be under the direct supervision and control of the mayor. The director of multicultural affairs shall hold office for the term of the mayor making the appointment. Generally, the director of multicultural affairs shall be available to council members to respond to requests for information or questions related to matters under the general control of the director of multicultural affairs which are pertinent to the performance of a council member's duties. The director of multicultural affairs shall also act as a liaison between the city and the community on multicultural issues, programs and activities. (Ord. No. 23-322, § 1, 4-27-2023) (Ord. No. 26-832, adopted 9-24-2026; published 9-30-2026)

Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 2-342 Duties of the director of multicultural affairs.

Sec. 2-342. Duties of the director of multicultural affairs. The duties of the director of multicultural affairs, which shall be performed in accordance with applicable laws, shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Develops and delivers in collaboration with the human resources department and the equal employment officer, training programs for the city workforce, including ensuring the practice of equitable hiring, cultural awareness/sensitivity, anti-bias behaviors, interpersonal skills, and effective communication. (2) Provides advice to the mayor, city administrator, equal employment officer, and human resources director on strategies to provide equitable opportunities for city employees. (3) Provides technical support and advice to the city's Human Relations Commission, including recommending nominations for mayoral and city council appointments; develops and provides resources for multicultural education and training in a variety of formats and other support programs. (4) Develops and delivers for the police department training focused on cultural competency, anti-bias behaviors, effective communication with diverse communities; ensures these training packages are delivered for both entry- level and veteran officers during annual in-service training programs. (5) Encourages understanding and goodwill, promotes justice, and promotes practices that provide opportunity between and among Huntsville's citizens regardless of race, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, or ethnicity; collaborates with these individuals and groups to develop collaborative initiatives; promotes communication and mutual understanding and respect among diverse constituencies and persons in the greater Huntsville area. (6) Provides leadership and guidance to various ethnic celebration committees, assessing the needs of multicultural segments of the community; represents the city at multicultural-related community events; serves as liaison to various community organizations ensuring there is open, active, and continuous communication with these groups and the city's senior leadership team. (7) Represents the mayor at neighborhood, civic association, committee, social, business, and other group meetings not requiring his official presence, and reports recommendations reached at those meetings. (8) Enlists the support of civic, labor, religious, professional, business, industrial, and educational programs within the community regarding human rights and community relations practices, laws, regulations, policies, and programs affecting equality and opportunities for persons of all ethnicities, to provide opportunities at every level of community life. (9) Organizes community neighborhood associations and serves as liaison between the Huntsville Council of Neighborhood Associations and other neighborhood organizations and the administration, presenting to the administration the input and recommendations of the community. (10) Requires regular and prompt attendance plus the ability to work well with others and work well as a team. (11) Provides supervision and direction to the assistant director of multicultural affairs and other assigned office personnel, including student interns. (12) Effectively communicates the relationship of the office of multicultural affairs and an organization’s goals, major systems, policies, and management and works with other professionals to coordinate programs and promote the multicultural message and events. (13) Attends neighborhood, civic, and business meetings as required. (14) Attends city council meetings, as available, in order to stay abreast of current and pending issues. (15) Assumes other duties and responsibilities as may be directed from the mayor or city administrator. (16) Performs related work as required and performs any and all duties that may be required of him by ordinance or resolution. (Ord. No. 23-322, § 1, 4-27-2023) (Ord. No. 26-832, adopted 9-24-2026; published 9-30-2026)

Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 2-346 Office of infrastructure development established.

Sec. 2-346. Office of infrastructure development established. The office of infrastructure development is established. The office shall be under the general supervision and control of the senior director of engineering. The senior director of engineering, whose qualifications are established by the mayor, shall be appointed by the mayor subject to the approval of the city council as provided by law. The senior director of engineering shall hold office for the term of the mayor making the appointment. The senior director of engineering shall be under the direct supervision and control of the mayor. Generally, the senior director of engineering shall be available to councilmembers to respond to requests for information or questions related to matters under the general control of the senior director of engineering which are pertinent to the performance of a councilmember's duties. (Ord. No. 26-832, adopted 9-24-2026; published 9-30-2026)

Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 2-347 Duties of the senior director of engineering.

Sec. 2-347. Duties of the senior director of engineering. The duties of the senior director of engineering, which shall be performed in accordance with applicable laws, include the following: (1) In matters related to his office and, more broadly, the operations of the city through its various departments, the senior director of engineering shall serve as an executive director of the city, directly assisting and advising the mayor in management of the city. He shall prepare special reports and attend special meetings as may be required by the mayor. The senior director of engineering shall assist and collaborate with the mayor and other executive directors of the city in the development, implementation, and furtherance of city goals, plans, and policies. (2) Leads and integrates the efforts of various departments in all aspects of design, permitting, acquisition, utility requirements, construction, and maintenance of the city’s transportation, drainage, and sewer infrastructure. (3) Coordinates regularly with the director of economic and urban development in master planning and preparing for growth of transportation requirements throughout the city and region, fully considering all modes of transportation. (4) Serves as the city’s primary liaison with the Alabama Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and other federal, state and local agencies involved in the development and maintenance of transportation, drainage and sanitary sewer infrastructure. (5) Coordinates all aspects of city right-of-way management amongst various city departments, other public agencies, and private users. (6) Coordinates and collaborates with the city administrator, director of economic and urban development, and the various departments of the city for development and resourcing of all public infrastructure required for growth throughout the community. (7) Is directly and continuously involved in the development, management, and execution of the city’s capital improvement plans. (8) Provides general supervision, oversight, and control of the following departments: city engineering, traffic engineering, and water pollution control. (9) Ensures public infrastructure needs are met as it relates to residential, commercial, and industrial sites and subdivisions for newly annexed, developed and redeveloped areas. (10) Ensures sound administrative management of the day-to-day functioning of the departments under his supervision, including but not limited to, budget execution and human resource functions. (11) Performs related work as required and performs any and all duties that may be required of him by ordinance or resolution. (Ord. No. 26-832, adopted 9-24-2026; published 9-30-2026)

Source: City of Huntsville, Alabama, publisher code (Municode) + enacted ordinances (City Council/Legistar)URL: https://library.municode.com/al/huntsville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTVIIDEDEHEOTAPOF_DIV2ADDEFetched: 11/6/2026