About The Gulf Shores Plan
The Gulf Shores Plan is a citywide planning effort that will guide decision-making, investment, and growth through 2045. Building upon the City's Vision 2035 Plan, the Comprehensive Plan will establish a shared vision and actionable strategies for the future of Gulf Shores.
The plan will address topics such as land use, housing, transportation, economic development, parks and open space, environmental resilience, infrastructure, and public services. It will serve as a roadmap for elected officials, City staff, residents, businesses, and community partners as they work together to shape the city's future.
Through community engagement and data-driven analysis, the Gulf Shores Plan will create a framework for managing change while supporting the needs of current and future residents.
Plan Elements
Land Use
Land Use examines how land is used throughout the city and where future growth and development should occur. This element will establish a Growth Framework and Character Areas to help guide future development patterns while preserving the qualities that make different parts of Gulf Shores unique.
Housing
Housing focuses on ensuring that Gulf Shores offers a variety of housing options that meet the needs of current and future residents. This element will explore housing types, affordability, availability, and opportunities to support residents at different stages of life.
Urban Design
& Public Realm
Urban Design & Public Realm addresses the look, feel, and function of the city's built environment. This element will consider community character, streetscapes, public spaces, parks, gateways, and the overall design of places where people live, work, gather, and recreate.
Multi-Modal Mobility
Multi-Modal Mobility examines how people move throughout Gulf Shores by car, bicycle, foot, golf cart, transit, and other transportation options. This element will identify opportunities to improve connectivity, safety, accessibility, and mobility for residents and visitors alike.
Environmental Resilience
Environmental Resilience focuses on protecting and enhancing Gulf Shores' natural systems while preparing for future environmental challenges. This element will explore topics such as flooding, stormwater management, coastal resilience, conservation, sustainability, and the protection of natural resources.
Economic Development
Economic Development examines ways to support a strong, diverse, and resilient local economy. This element will identify opportunities to attract and retain businesses, support workforce development, strengthen tourism, expand employment opportunities, and enhance Gulf Shores' long-term economic vitality.
Why Now?
Gulf Shores is experiencing significant change. As the city continues to attract new residents, businesses, and investment, there is an opportunity to proactively plan for the future rather than react to growth as it occurs.
The Gulf Shores Plan will help the community identify priorities, align public investments, and establish a clear framework for future development. By planning ahead, Gulf Shores can ensure that future decisions reflect community values and support long-term success.
About Gulf Shores
Located along Alabama's Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores is a vibrant coastal community known for its beaches, outdoor recreation, natural resources, and welcoming atmosphere. Residents enjoy access to parks, waterways, cultural events, local businesses, and a variety of recreational opportunities throughout the year.
From the trails and ecosystems of Gulf State Park and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge to the historic significance of Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores offers a unique connection to both nature and history. The city is also home to beloved community traditions, including arts festivals, live music events, and celebrations that bring residents and visitors together.
Today, Gulf Shores continues to evolve as a year-round community while maintaining the qualities that make it a special place to live, work, and visit.
Community Snapshot
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Population: 15,014 (2020 Census)
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Fastest-growing city in Alabama (2010–2020 among cities with 10,000+ residents)
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33.2 square miles
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5,810 households
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Median household income: $73,873
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Median home value: $367,000
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38% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher
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Average commute: 22 minutes
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More than 13,600 housing units
Guiding Principles /
Vision 2035 Core Values
The Gulf Shores Plan builds upon the community's Vision 2035 Core Values:
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Small Town Culture
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Safe & Protected Community
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Environmental Resilience
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Planned Growth
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Life-long Learning
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Health & Wellness
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Diverse & Vibrant Economy
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High Performing Government
These values will guide the plan's recommendations and help ensure that future decisions reflect the priorities of the Gulf Shores community.
What Is a Comprehensive Plan?
A Comprehensive Plan is a long-range policy document that guides a community's growth, development, and investment over time. It establishes a shared vision for the future and provides a framework for making decisions about land use, transportation, housing, economic development, infrastructure, parks and open space, environmental resilience, and public services.
Rather than focusing on a single project or issue, a Comprehensive Plan takes a holistic view of the community and considers how different systems and priorities work together to support a high quality of life. The plan helps ensure that future decisions are aligned with community goals and provides guidance for elected officials, City staff, property owners, developers, businesses, and residents.
The Gulf Shores Plan will build upon the City's Vision 2035 Plan and establish a roadmap for the future through 2045. The plan will identify community priorities, establish goals and strategies, and create a framework for managing growth while preserving the qualities that make Gulf Shores unique.
The Comprehensive Plan is not a regulatory document. Instead, it serves as a guide for future decision-making and helps inform public investments, policies, programs, and development decisions throughout the city.