This week, the Point Clear Rotary Club was honored to host Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan, who shared insights from her time in office, ongoing city projects, and the long-term vision for Fairhope’s future.
Mayor Sullivan, now in her first term, shared her journey from longtime city employee to Fairhope’s top elected official—and her deep commitment to making Fairhope “better than ever.”
“When I decided to run for mayor in 2020, I made a commitment to restore respect and civility to our city government, create a stable work environment for employees, and focus on growth and infrastructure,” she told the club. “And I feel that we are doing just that.”
A Track Record of Progress
Mayor Sullivan shared highlights from her first five years in office, including more than $60 million in infrastructure investments to improve drainage, traffic, utilities, and quality of life throughout Fairhope. From replacing outdated cast iron gas lines to upgrading sewage lift stations and electric substations, she emphasized how these improvements lay the foundation for long-term sustainability.
She also pointed to investments in people—allocating over $5 million to recruit and retain high-quality City employees—as a key part of delivering excellent city services and preserving the look, feel, and function that make Fairhope special.
Smart Growth, Strategic Planning
With growth pressure mounting across Baldwin County, Mayor Sullivan has worked closely with City Council and staff to put moratoriums and ordinances in place to manage development, while leading the creation of an updated Comprehensive Plan to help guide Fairhope’s future.
“We’re not just reacting—we’re planning,” she said, stressing the importance of intentional development that aligns with the city’s character.
Recreation, Resilience, and Revitalization
Mayor Sullivan highlighted several quality-of-life and recreational projects completed or underway, including:
- Four new baseball fields
- A new track and pickleball courts
- Upgrades to Quail Creek Golf Course
- Plans for the Mike Ford Tennis Center and Barnwell Football Complex
- And soon-to-be completed enhancements to Pier Park and the Rose Garden
The city has also broken ground on the John Martin Nature Center and Flying Creek Nature Preserve, and will soon begin renovating the historic K-1 Center, blending infrastructure with culture and community roots.
Prioritizing Public Safety
Public safety remains at the top of her agenda. “It’s the most important thing government should do,” she said. Under her leadership, the city has opened a temporary police precinct on Highway 98, secured land for a new fire station on Highway 181, and added new fire trucks to the fleet.
Looking Ahead
Despite these accomplishments, Mayor Sullivan made it clear: there’s still work to do. From expanding water systems to replacing old pipes and enhancing recreation, she expressed a strong desire to continue what she’s started.
“I ran to make a difference—and to leave my hometown, OUR HOME, better than I found it,” she said. “And I know we are doing just that.”
Thank you, Mayor Sullivan, for your time, leadership, and dedication to the people of Fairhope. Your passion for smart growth, public service, and community values is an inspiration to us all.
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