Gulf Shores ยท Analysis
Who Follows Craft? Start With Phillip Harris
Robert Craft has run Gulf Shores since 2008. Nobody has announced for 2029, but the bench is already forming, and the mayor pro tem sits at the top of it.
Gulf Shores
Strong-mayor government. The mayor votes with the five-member council. Terms run 2025 to 2029. Here is who decides, when they meet, and every major project we are tracking.
Who decides
MayorFifth term
Robert Craft
In office since 2008. Won 2025 with 58% in a three-way race. Votes on council items.
Place 1
Joe Garris Jr.
On the council since 2004. Won a 2025 runoff with 53%.
Place 2First term
Jennifer Guthrie
Elected 2025 with 70%, unseating the incumbent.
Place 3Mayor pro tem
Phillip Harris
Re-elected 2025 with 60%. Also sits on the Planning Commission.
Place 4
Jason Dyken
Re-elected 2025 with 58%.
Place 5
Steve Jones
Re-elected 2025 with 66%.
Sources: Sept. 28 minutes; 2025 official results. As of Nov. 3, 2026.
Projects we are tracking
Status as of Nov. 3, 2026. Every row links to where the information came from. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
| Project | Status | Money | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterway Village pedestrian bridge Our reporting | Under construction. Opening spring 2027 | $30M with plazas | FOX10 |
| Pedestrian bridge plazas Our reporting | Change Order No. 5 approved Oct. 26 | $3.6M GOMESA grant; $4.8M estimate | Gulf Coast Media |
| Development pause (rezonings, new PUDs) Our reporting | In effect. Expires about March 23, 2027 unless extended | City of Gulf Shores | |
| The Gulf Shores Plan (comprehensive plan) Our reporting | Public input under way. Guides growth through 2045 | Up to $500K, Interboro Partners | 1819 News |
| Justice Center (police, courts) | Move-in under way. First court date Nov. 5 | City of Gulf Shores | |
| Canal Road (SR 180) reroute | Survey approved Oct. 12. Temporary route estimated 2027 to 2034 | $39,500 survey | Gulf Coast Media |
| Waterway East roadway | East 29th Ave. reopened. City aims to open all of it before year end | City of Gulf Shores | |
| Kids Park rebuild | Approved Sept. 28. Construction moved to early 2027 | $1.1M budget | City of Gulf Shores |
| 2026 street resurfacing | Contract approved Oct. 12 | $1.5M, McElhenny Construction | Gulf Coast Media |
| Beach parking ordinance Our reporting | Plate-based exemptions start Jan. 1, 2027. Passed 5-1 | Park Loyalty contract $102,600 over 3 years | City of Gulf Shores |
Reporting on Gulf Shores
Both cities
The Scorecard: What Passed, What Failed, What's Next
Two councils, three months, and one issue that split the council, in the minutes we could get. Here's what Gulf Shores and Orange Beach did from August through October, and what's coming in November.
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores Took a Golf Cart Case to the State Supreme Court. The Court Wouldn't Hear It.
The city prosecuted a rental company's vice president over golf carts an appeals court found the company was already licensed to rent. The appeals court threw out the convictions, and on Oct. 9 the Alabama Supreme Court declined to hear the city's appeal. What the fight cost taxpayers has not been reported.
Gulf Shores
The Bridge That Keeps Getting More Expensive
In 2024, Gulf Shores hoped to keep construction of its Waterway Village pedestrian bridge under $20 million. By July the bridge alone was reported at $24 million. On Oct. 26 the council approved another plaza change order, and FOX10 now puts bridge and plazas together at $30 million.
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores Hit Pause on Growth. The Clock Runs Out Before the Plan Is Done.
The city froze rezonings and new PUDs in March while a $500,000 consultant writes a 20-year plan. The freeze expires in March 2027. On the city's own timeline, the plan isn't due until after that.