City, county entourage meets with legislators; residents asked to take STR survey
MADISON – Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett described a visit to Montgomery and Madison Elementary School in her “Madison Weekly” newsletter.
Bartlett joined a group of business leaders for the annual ‘Montgomery Trip’ – with most delegates riding the bus to engage in discussions with legislators in the state capital. “I spent three days in Montgomery alongside regional leaders advocating for the priorities that matter most to North Alabama,” she said.
Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and Madison Chamber of Commerce attracted elected officials, business owners and residents to a series of meetings with state legislators and agency leaders to discuss the region’s continued growth and success.
Conversations focused on supporting strong public education, investing in infrastructure, strengthening economic development and confirming that communities continue as outstanding places to live, work and raise a family. “North Alabama continues to lead the state in growth and innovation, and our delegation carried a unified message: continued partnership with the state will help our region keep momentum moving forward,” Bartlett said. “We also heard from Gov. Ivey, who addressed the group and shared her perspective on the state’s priorities for the coming year,” Bartlett said. “Our local leaders staying engaged at the state level positively impacts our community. Madison has a strong voice, and, when our region works together, that voice carries even further.”
Concerning short-term rentals or STRs, Bartlett encouraged citizens to complete the survey that the city emailed to residents on March 6. A STR is a residential property, like a house, apartment, condominium or defined quarters of a home, rented to guests for less than 30 consecutive days. This type of rental most commonly is associated with ‘Air BNB’ (Air Bed and Breakfast).
“As the Madison City Council evaluates future policies regarding STRs, your feedback is essential. Please take a moment to complete our brief survey and share your perspective on this important community topic,” Bartlett said.
The survey includes a Madison map with proposed sections of the city that can have STRs. The questions ask your opinion about STRs in Madison and, if approved, locations where rentals will be available.
The city’s email about STRs includes a link to the survey. Or, visit madisonal. gov/FormCenter/Public-Meeting-Questions- 4/Short-Term-Rental-Public-Survey- 39.
Downtown Madison will amp up soon with a grant to expand access for wireless internet service. Madison Visionary Partners received a grant from Huntsville Data Center. “The investment will bring faster, more reliable connectivity to one of the city’s most vibrant and photo- friendly areas, supporting local businesses, visitors and community events,” Bartlett said.
City departments compiled these statistics for the week:
• Madison Police Department — 1172 calls for service, 36 arrests, 52 citations and 87 warnings.
• Madison Fire and Rescue Department — 141 total incidents for daily average of 20; 6 for fire; 10 public service; 79 medical.
• Court – Opened 103 cases; closed 206 cases; issued 13 warrants and recalled 37 warrants; collected $44,347.93.
To promote the Read Across America initiative, Bartlett visited Madison Elementary School to read a story to students. “Visits like these highlight the strong connection between the City of Madison and its schools, where education plays a central role in the community,” Bartlett said.
Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett joined students at Madison Elementary School on Friday to celebrate Read Across America, a nationwide initiative that encourages children to discover the joy of reading. During the visit, the mayor spent time reading with students and talking about the importance of literacy and education. Events like this help inspire young readers and highlight the role books play in learning, imagination, and future success. Photo courtesy of the Madison Mayor’s Office
