Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Gulf Shores has earned the Triple Crown from the Government Finance Officers Association. This award shows the city's strong focus on handling money well and being open about it. Only a few cities across the country get this honor each year. Mayor Robert Craft said these wins come from hard work by the finance team, city council, and all departments.

The Triple Crown means the city won three top awards in one year. These include the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 15th year in a row. It also got the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 13th year. Plus, the Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for the fourth year.

The budget award goes to cities that make their plans clear and useful. They must meet 14 key rules and get rated as proficient. This helps residents see how money gets spent. It acts as a guide for policies and daily work.

The financial reporting certificate is the highest in government accounting. It means the city's reports are accurate and easy to read. Residents and investors can trust how funds are used. This builds confidence in the city's choices.

The popular financial report award is for making complex info simple and fun. Judges look at how well it draws in readers and shares the story. The city aims to keep people informed. This helps everyone feel part of the community.

Mayor Craft noted the city's bond rating is AA+. Cash reserves have tripled since 2010. This shows careful budgeting over time. Every tax dollar gets tracked and spent wisely.

These awards put Gulf Shores in an elite group. They prove the city values trust and smart money management. Businesses and partners see strong leadership here. It sets a good path for future growth.

The Government Finance Officers Association sets national standards. Their awards are benchmarks for excellence. Gulf Shores meets them year after year. For more details, check www.gfoa.org.

Gulf Shores calls itself Alabama's small town with a big beach. It sits on the Gulf of Mexico coast. The city works to make life good for residents, visitors, and businesses. It focuses on safety, cleanliness, and family fun.

Looking ahead, these honors could help attract more investment. Strong finances mean better services down the road. The city plans to keep up this high standard. Residents can expect continued smart handling of funds.