Mayor forms Small Business Advisory Council
MADISON – Last week, Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett checked off a top priority on her inauguration to-do list: formation of the Mayor’s Small Business Advisory Council.
“I wanted to better understand what makes our city an attractive place to start and grow a business and, just as importantly, what obstacles may be standing in the way of entrepreneurship,” Bartlett said in her weekly newsletter, “Madison Weekly”.
For the council, Bartlett invited 15 women involved as retailers, restaurateurs, real estate professionals and consultants: Mary Griffith Avista, Kim Essex, Tammy Hall, Beth Kramer, Alice Lessmann, Brenda Matthews, Kris McLellan, Marie Newberry, Miranda Nichols, Melinda Sanderson, Emily Santiago, Megan Nivens- Tannett, Lori King-Taylor, Erica White and Heather Wilson.
At their first meeting, the council established initial relationships, opportunities and options to strengthen Madison’s business climate. “These conversations will help guide thoughtful, pro-business initiatives that support growth while preserving the character that makes our city special,” Bartlett said.
Other actions mentioned
Representing the city, Bartlett and Madison City Council members attended “State of the Schools” at the Jackson Center. The audience learned about current programs for all grades and listened to the superintendents’ forum for Madison, Huntsville and Madison County.
At the city council’s Feb. 23 meeting, Bartlett acknowledged Rocket City Trash Pandas’ receiving the 2025 Baseball America Double A Bob Freitas Award. “This award celebrates overall excellence in business operations, community involvement and sustained success,” Bartlett said.
Also last week, Bartlett visited Decatur to meet with Mayor Kent Lawrence. They discussed infrastructure, economic growth and ways to collaborate for their cities’ successes.
During the week of Feb. 22, Madison City Police Department completed 1159 calls for service, 29 arrests, 68 citations and 121 warnings. Madison Fire and Rescue Department responded to 126 total incidents (18 average/ day); 3 fires; 2 hazardous situations; and 80 medical calls. Madison Parks and Recreation saw 674 Dublin membership visits and 323 Dublin walk-ins. Parks and Rec’s app gained 100 new downloads, bringing the total to 6,370.
For more information, visit madisonal.gov.
