Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) —  The City of Gulf Shores invites residents to help shape the city's long-term future at a public open house. The event is the first of its kind associated with the Gulf Shores Plan, a comprehensive planning effort for the city. Community members will have the opportunity to meet with city planners and participate in hands-on activities. Organizers say the goal is to ensure residents have a voice in how Gulf Shores grows and changes over time.

The open house is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Central Time. It will be held at 21656 Coastal Gateway Boulevard, the site of the new Gulf Shores High School. A specific room will be announced closer to the event date.

The event will introduce the public to the comprehensive planning process, explain what a Comprehensive Plan is and how it works, and walk attendees through the project timeline. Organizers will also explain how community members can stay involved throughout the planning process.

The event will feature a series of interactive activity stations. Participants can explore maps, data, and key findings from an Existing Conditions Analysis of Gulf Shores. Attendees will also learn about current trends shaping the community and identify priorities and areas they feel need improvement.

One featured activity will ask participants to consider what kinds of places and features belong in different parts of the city. Topics will include housing options, transportation improvements, parks, and community destinations. Residents will also have the chance to raise concerns and identify what they want to preserve or see less of in the future.

All input gathered at the open house will be used to shape the vision, goals, and recommendations of the Gulf Shores Plan. Organizers say the feedback will help ensure that community priorities are reflected throughout the entire planning process.

Residents can contact the planning team by email at hello@thegulfshoresplan.com or follow updates on Instagram at @thegulfshoresplan.