The Gulf Shores City Council approved an agreement with Interboro Partners, LLC to lead the city’s new comprehensive plan, a long term road map designed to guide how Gulf Shores grows over the next 20 years.



The plan will be shaped by extensive community input to ensure the final vision reflects the priorities and experiences of people throughout Gulf Shores. The exact engagement schedule will be determined once the project begins, when Interboro works with city leadership to create a customized public engagement plan.

“We have a rare opportunity to shape what Gulf Shores will look and feel like 20 years from now. To do this well, we need to hear from the people who know this community best. Meaningful public input will guide every major decision and help us build a clear, realistic roadmap for the future,” said Lee Jones, Assistant City Administrator.

Interboro was selected after a national search and will be supported by a team of planning, design, mobility, housing, and economic experts. The group was chosen for its dynamic approach, strong record of community engagement and proven expertise. The Interboro team brings national experience along with direct knowledge of the Alabama Gulf Coast, with previous work in Orange Beach, Fairhope, Dauphin Island, and Mobile.

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Gulf Shores at such an important moment in the city’s history. The challenges and opportunities the city is facing—managing growth, protecting natural systems, and maintaining a strong sense of community—are exactly the kinds of issues that motivate our work,” Dan D’Oca, principal and co founder of Interboro, said.

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝟏𝟐 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟖 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥:

• launch early outreach and develop a public engagement plan

• study current conditions and trends in Gulf Shores

• work with the community to shape a shared long term vision

• prepare a draft plan for public review

• finalize the comprehensive plan for adoption

To support this planning process, the City Council has paused the acceptance of certain new development applications, including rezonings, new planned developments, conditional use requests, and major subdivisions outside existing PUDs (planned unit developments).

This pause gives the community and planning team the time needed to create a clear, unified vision for the future before decisions are made on projects requiring a city-approved change. It ensures that once the comprehensive plan is complete, future development can be evaluated using updated, community driven guidance.

“As our community grows, we must plan with care. Interboro’s approach will help us listen, learn, and turn community priorities into action,” added Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft. “The goal is to protect our small town character while planning for a resilient, successful future.”

The contract will not exceed $500,000. Of that amount, $300,000 is included in the City’s fiscal year 2026 budget, with the remaining $200,000 planned for fiscal year 2027. Work will begin once the contract is executed.

We expect Interboro’s public engagement plan to be completed in early summer, with public input opportunities beginning later in the summer and continuing throughout the duration of the project.

VIEW MORE DETAILS:  Comprehensive Plan