About
Mayor Robert Craft
Robert Craft, a Gulf Shores native, is a proven leader whose vision and dedication have shaped the city into one of Alabama’s premier places to live, work, and raise a family. A graduate of Foley High School and Auburn University with a degree in Agricultural Science, Craft built Craft Turf Farms into one of the South’s largest turf production businesses and developed Craft Farms, a residential and golf community featuring two Arnold Palmer-designed courses. His business acumen and consensus-building approach have defined his tenure as Mayor, where he has driven transformative progress.
​Since taking office, Mayor Craft has allocated $272 million towards capital improvements and $76 million in grants, turning a $7 million debt into a $75 million surplus while balancing the city budget annually. His leadership established Gulf Shores City Schools, the first independent system in Baldwin County, and delivered innovative programs in marine biology, STEM, and career technical education. Craft enhanced public safety and healthcare by building a free-standing emergency department, a 40-acre Medical Village, and new fire stations.
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A champion of Smart Growth, Craft reduced residential development entitlements by over 8,300 units, prioritizing single-family homes and open spaces, while supporting over 1,000 new businesses since 2020. He created Gulf Place, a vibrant beachfront district, led the $135 million Gulf State Park redevelopment, and protected 800+ acres in the Bon Secour watershed. His infrastructure initiatives, including a pedestrian bridge, bike lanes, and the new Intracoastal Waterway bridge, have eased traffic and improved walkability.
Craft’s steady hand guided Gulf Shores through hurricanes, the BP oil spill, and the financial crisis, ensuring the city emerged stronger each time. As a member of the RESTORE Council, he helps allocate $750 million for coastal recovery, and he serves on boards for the Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Gulf Shores Utilities, and GUMBO. A devoted family man, Craft is married to Trudy, with four children and ten grandchildren, and is an active member of St. Andrew by the Sea Church. His experience, business mindset, and commitment to Gulf Shores make him the clear choice for re-election as Mayor.