Mobile Baykeeper town hall to address rapid development and water protection on July 16

Baldwin County is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and with that rapid expansion comes a unique set of challenges for Coastal Alabama’s infrastructure and ecosystems. Mobile Baykeeper is hosting a public town hall to discuss how to manage that growth moving forward.

Mobile Baykeeper is a non-profit community organization dedicated to defending and reviving the health of the Mobile Bay Watershed and Coastal Alabama’s waterways. Through scientific research, community education and collaborative advocacy, the organization works to address pollution, protect public health and ensure responsible regional growth.

The organization will present its community-driven Smart Growth Regulation Recommendations on Thursday, July 16, from 6PM to 7PM at Fairhope United Methodist Church, located at 155 S. Section Street.

Addressing rapid growth in Baldwin County

The policy proposals are the result of a year-long outreach effort where Baykeeper met with local leaders, business owners and residents across the county. Throughout the listening tour, community members voiced consistent concerns over:

• Worsening flooding
• Muddy runoff in local creeks
• Strained wastewater systems
• Disappearing wetlands

The upcoming meeting marks a transition from listening to residents’ concerns to presenting actionable regulatory solutions.

“Our waterways are the center of our economy, our recreation, and our way of life. Smart growth isn’t about saying no to growth. It’s about ensuring that new development works with our unique ecosystem and waterways so that Coastal Alabama remains a great place to live for generations to come.”

Mobile Baykeeper Executive Director William Strickland

Key recommendations for environmental protection

The proposed recommendations focus on balancing development with the preservation of Coastal Alabama’s natural resources. Key priorities in the framework include:

• Water quality: Reducing construction + muddy stormwater runoff into local bays + bayous
• Infrastructure: Strengthening wastewater + sewage systems to keep pace with new construction
• Flood protection: Preserving critical wetlands to maintain natural drainage + flood mitigation

How to attend the Fairhope town hall

The town hall is free and open to the public. Coastal residents are encouraged to attend to review the policy proposals, ask questions and share feedback before the guidelines are presented to local officials.

• What: Baldwin County Smart Growth Town Hall
• When: Thursday, July 16 from 6–7PM
• Where: Fairhope United Methodist Church — 155 S. Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532
• Cost: Free admission
• More info: Visit mobilebaykeeper.org or follow Mobile Baykeeper on social media