Gulf Shores Graduates First 30 Residents From New ‘Gulf Shores 101’ Citizenship Academy
Thirty residents spent eight weeks meeting city leaders and touring departments. Applications for the next class open in January.
GULF SHORES, Ala. — The city of Gulf Shores has completed its first Gulf Shores 101 Citizenship Academy, an eight-week program that gave 30 residents a behind-the-scenes look at how city government works.
What participants covered
The academy opened with City Administrator Jon Walker and Mayor Robert Craft, who gave an overview of city operations and the budget. Participants then met leaders from the Gulf Shores Police Department, Administration, Recreation & Cultural Affairs, Community Development, Public Works & Engineering, Gulf Shores Fire Rescue, Gulf Shores City Schools and Gulf Shores International Airport.
The city said each session was interactive and different. Some included educational games, while others featured hands-on demonstrations. Topics ranged from public safety and emergency response to parks and recreation, infrastructure projects, planning and development, and how the city manages its finances. Participants had time to ask questions and talk with staff.
The experience also gave residents a clearer picture of how tax dollars are invested and used, and it let them put faces to department names they knew.
A participant’s view
Participant Dawn Burgess said: “Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of this academy is that it has helped us become more informed, engaged, and connected citizens. It has given us a better understanding of how each of us can play a role in making our community even better.”
How to apply for the next class
Applications for the next Gulf Shores 101 program open in January, and classes will begin in March 2027.
Residents who want to follow the issues the academy touched on can read South AL News coverage of city business, including a proposed update to impact fees heading to a Nov. 16 council vote.
