Welcome to Jason Dyken for City Council Place 4
Get to Know Jason
Seventeen years ago, I made a commitment to serve the citizens of Gulf Shores with transparency, integrity, and purpose. While much has changed over the years, my dedication to this community has never wavered.
I first came to Gulf Shores in the 1980s when my parents built the home where I now live. I became a full-time resident in 1997, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have raised my family here. This community is home, and I am committed to protecting the quality of life that makes it so special.
With a professional background in medicine and small business ownership, I’ve brought a unique and balanced perspective to public service. I’ve been honored to serve on the City Council for Place 4, as Chair of the Finance Committee, and on key committees related to education, healthcare, the airport, and recreation.
Public Service and Results
Over the last 17 years, I’ve helped lead initiatives that have transformed Gulf Shores:
- Financial Stewardship: When I began my service, the city faced a $1.5 million budget deficit and owed nearly $9 million to FEMA. Today, we have over $75 million in reserves, a balanced annual budget, and an AA+ S&P credit rating, one of the highest available for coastal cities. Gulf Shores has also earned 13 consecutive national awards for financial reporting and budgeting excellence.
- Education: We launched Gulf Shores City Schools, renovated our campuses, and built one of the most innovative high schools in the state. Our district now ranks among the top in Alabama and offers expanded opportunities in STEM, marine biology, and aviation.
- Healthcare: We opened a freestanding ER and secured free emergency ground and air transport for all Gulf Shores residents. The city has also acquired land to support future healthcare expansion, including a hospital, outpatient services, and physician offices.
- Transportation: We’ve improved roadways, expanded over 55 miles of bike trails and sidewalks, and converted our airport into a commercial service facility. Through a partnership with Allegiant, Gulf Shores now offers direct flights to 8 destinations and is planning for further growth.
- Environment: We’ve preserved more than 1,800 acres of wetlands, redeveloped Gulf Place with resident-only parking, expanded the Jean-Michel Cousteau Ecotourism Program, and participated in two major beach renourishment efforts.
- Smart Growth: Since 2008, we’ve avoided all “upzoning,” enforced a building moratorium to match growth with infrastructure, and reduced residential development by over 8,300 units. We continue to invest in data and technology to manage infrastructure efficiently.