Photo by Gainesville Sun
Mary Alford’s path to becoming County Commissioner for Alachua County is a testament to her deep commitment to community, sustainable growth, and preserving what makes Gainesville a unique and vibrant place to live. With a background in engineering and business ownership, Mary combines technical expertise with a genuine passion for creating lasting, positive change for the people and businesses of Alachua County.
A Strong Foundation: Engineering and Community Engagement
Mary’s professional journey began in engineering, where she gained valuable technical skills that helped her understand the intricate details of infrastructure and sustainability. As she transitioned into business ownership, Mary recognized the importance of community involvement to address the growing challenges facing Alachua County. Her active participation in local boards and advocacy groups exposed her to the critical issues of neglected infrastructure, housing shortages, and the growing demands of a rapidly expanding community.
“I quickly realized that in order to tackle these challenges, we needed practical, long-term solutions that aligned with the values of our community,” Mary reflects. “While growth is essential for our prosperity, it’s equally important to ensure that this growth benefits everyone, not just the few. We need a plan that supports our economy without compromising the things that make Gainesville and Alachua County special.”
Balancing Growth with Preservation
As County Commissioner, Mary is focused on guiding Alachua County’s development in a way that fosters both economic success and the preservation of the county’s unique character. One of her top priorities is ensuring that growth occurs in a balanced manner—creating spaces for high-density development where businesses can thrive, while also protecting the natural beauty and sense of community that make Gainesville a one-of-a-kind place to live and work.
“I want to see Alachua County grow, but not at the cost of the very things that make this community feel like home,” Mary says. “Our natural spaces, our sense of belonging, and our vibrant culture are irreplaceable. My goal is to create a future where businesses can succeed, families can grow, and our community can thrive, all while preserving what makes this area so special.”
Addressing the Housing Crisis
The affordable housing crisis is one of the most pressing issues facing Alachua County today. As County Commissioner, Mary is dedicated to ensuring that people who make the community function—teachers, nurses, first responders, and other essential workers—can afford to live in the communities they serve.
Mary is working tirelessly to implement policies that encourage the development of a wide range of affordable housing options, from workforce housing to opportunities for middle-income families. She’s advocating for zoning changes and incentives for developers to build housing in areas that are well-served by public transportation and essential services. Her vision is to create vibrant, mixed-income communities where people from all walks of life can live, work, and grow together.
“We need housing that is accessible to everyone—whether you’re just starting out in your career, raising a family, or building your future here,” Mary says. “Affordable housing isn’t just about providing a place to live; it’s about making sure that people who contribute to our community can do so without being pushed out by rising rents.”
Improving Infrastructure for a Better Commute
Mary is also focused on tackling another critical issue that affects everyday life in Alachua County—transportation. As the population grows, the county’s roads and infrastructure are under increasing strain. Commuting is a daily challenge for many residents, and Mary is determined to make it easier, safer, and more efficient.
Rather than focusing on the construction of new roads, Mary is prioritizing the maintenance and improvement of the county’s existing infrastructure. Her strategy involves reducing traffic congestion and ensuring that people can move about the county more easily. By enhancing the quality of the roads we already have, Mary believes that Alachua County can minimize the burden of new construction and maximize the benefits of the infrastructure that is already in place.
“It’s all about making commuting more enjoyable and less stressful,” Mary says. “If we focus on maintaining our roads and improving what we already have, we can make sure that people aren’t wasting their time stuck in traffic or dealing with poorly maintained roads.”
A Vision for the Future
Mary Alford’s leadership as County Commissioner is driven by a clear vision of a sustainable, thriving future for Alachua County. She believes that the county’s growth should benefit everyone—businesses, residents, and the environment—without compromising the community’s unique sense of place. Her approach to growth is rooted in a desire to preserve the things that make Gainesville and Alachua County special while ensuring that the county remains a place where people can live, work, and thrive for generations to come.
“I want to see Alachua County grow in a way that supports the needs of the people who live here, while protecting the very qualities that make our community so great,” Mary says. “It’s about finding a balance between growth, sustainability, and preservation. That’s the future I’m working toward.”
Mary’s dedication to improving infrastructure, expanding affordable housing, and guiding Alachua County’s growth responsibly is shaping a future where businesses thrive, residents live comfortably, and the natural beauty of the area is preserved. Her leadership will ensure that Alachua County remains a place where everyone can succeed—whether they’re commuting to work or choosing to call this community home.
Reflection
After speaking with Mary, I realized that Gainesville and Alachua County are truly special communities to be a part of. The challenges we face—housing affordability and road maintenance—are not insurmountable, but they require careful attention and action. Fixing these issues will not only improve the daily commute for residents but also make it easier for people to live and work here, contributing to the continued growth and success of this amazing community.