If you drove by the intersection of Waterloo Road and Summit Drive Friday morning, you may have seen Russellville District One City Councilman David Palmer putting up campaign signs with the help of his daughter.
Palmer, who was first elected in 2012, is seeking a fourth term representing District One.
With the support of Russellville Mayor David Grissom and the city council working together, Palmer’s tenure has seen significant positive changes for his city.
Under Palmer’s coordination, the City of Russellville is in the midst of the largest paving and infrastructure improvement program in the city’s history, with more than $4 million being invested in improving streets throughout the city.
In Palmer’s 13 years on the city council, Russellville has seen the addition of more than 1,400 new jobs, more than $56 million in capital investments including funding for a new public library and media center to be located behind Russellville City Hall.
Additionally, major upgrades have been made in the equipment in every city department, including the recent purchase of new police vehicles with a $500,000 appropriation from Sen. Tommy Tuberville.
Palmer retired from his position as Franklin County Engineer in 2022, ending a 27-year career in that position, with 31 total years employed by Franklin County.
Palmer was respected across the state for his tenacity in obtaining grants for Franklin County, including millions of dollars in grants from an unprecedented road and bridge program known as the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program, or ATRIP. Palmer secured more than $30 million in additional grant funding for Franklin County through his tenure as county engineer.
Palmer was named the 2022 Alabama County Engineer of the Year by the Alabama County Engineers Association.
He’s now employed with Civil Group as a Professional Engineer, where he utilizes his professional experience to work with governmental entities at all levels.
Palmer met with his fellow councilmen to discuss the best way to maximize grant dollars for repaving projects in their districts, something he volunteered to do.
The professional relationships Palmer has built through more than three decades as a county engineer opened doors for additional grants that other counties may not have applied for.
“To continue moving our city forward, strong partnerships among city, county and state agencies is critical to increase efficiency and provide the highest levels of service at the lowest possible cost for our citizens,” Palmer said.
Palmer and his wife Kim, a first-grade teacher at West Elementary School, have three children, John David, Callie and Kinsley. They are members of First Baptist Church in Russellville.
Palmer is excited about the opportunities for District One and the entire city of Russellville in the next four years and he will remain an active part of those opportunities if granted that privilege by the citizens of District One.
“It has been a privilege to serve the past 13 years on the Russellville City Council and to be part of our city’s tremendous growth and progress. With the vote and support of District One residents, I would be honored to continue working to move our city forward.”
