The City of Gulf Shores announced the launch of Vision 2035, its strategic planning initiative aimed at shaping the community's future for the next decade.

Residents are invited to play a role in the visioning process, which kicks off with a Vision 2035 input meeting on Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. at the Erie Meyer Civic Center. This meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to share their ideas and help set the city's goals for the next decade.

About 10 years ago, Gulf Shores embarked on Vision 2025. The community came together to develop a vision that included action items that worked toward enhancing quality of life. These items focused on things like access to better health care, environmental stewardship, improving education and creating new economic opportunities throughout the community. Now, as Vision 2025 comes to a close, the city is setting its sights on the future with the launch of Vision 2035.

“Together we have made tremendous progress in achieving the goals set forth in Vision 2025,” Mayor Robert Craft said in a news release. “Our schools are thriving, the Gulf State Park has been revitalized, we have expanded access to emergent and specialty medical care, and we have transformed key districts throughout the city. But we know that our work is far from over. That's why we are embarking on Vision 2035, a new initiative that will allow us to build on our past successes while addressing the emerging challenges and opportunities of the next decade.”

The city is now beginning the development process for Vision 2035 with a focus on resident engagement. The meeting on Oct. 29 will feature a presentation by Craft followed by one-on-one conversations between attendees, city staff and elected officials. This will be a chance for residents to provide input, ask questions and help shape the city's priorities for the next ten years.

“The success of Vision 2035 hinges on the active involvement of our community,” Craft said. “Together, we have the power to determine our goals for the next decade and achieve a future that we can all be proud of. I encourage every resident to get involved in the Vision 2035 process. This is your opportunity to help set the course for Gulf Shores' future and create the community we all want for ourselves and for generations to come.”

For more information, visit www.gulfshoresal.gov