Town of Pike Road residents looking ahead to their town’s future now have a candidate with an urban planning background and a strong vision for the town.
Mark Spurlin, a lifelong Montgomery-area resident and a professional with a strong foundation in urban planning and building science, is running for mayor of Pike Road. His campaign centers on intentional growth, stronger community engagement, enhanced public safety, and preserving the town’s small-town charm while encouraging smart development.
Spurlin’s journey to mayoral candidacy is rooted in a lifetime interest in design and construction. He shared, “I come from a very construction-based family, I have a brother who is an engineer and a brother who is an architect, and they kind of led me into the industry and guided me towards the landscape architecture industry, which led me into urban planning and then construction.
Spurlin holds a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in Building Construction from Auburn University. His professional career is running a small business focused on residential renovation and construction.
His extensive travels across the United States have given him a broad perspective on how communities succeed—or fail—in planning and growth. “One of the things that attracted me to Pike Road originally was that its a blank slate, an oasis of agricultural land,” said Spurlin. “But as we’ve grown, I’m not pleased with how it has shaped. It’s not what I understood would be our path forward.”
Spurlin is clear about his approach to development as he shared, “We have to be strategic and organized on how we build and lay out this town.”
He is a strong advocate for revisiting Pike Road’s original comprehensive plans and ensuring that growth aligns with infrastructure capabilities, emphasizing long-term sustainability to avoid stagnation and traffic congestion seen in Montgomery.
His vision includes multiple community hubs rather than one congested downtown, allowing residents easy access to shopping, recreation, and amenities close to home.
One of Spurlin’s focuses is public safety. While expressing deep respect for Sheriff D.T. Cunningham and his department, he believes Pike Road should explore a long term safety plan as a safeguard against future risks.
Spurlin shared, “We are essentially putting all our eggs in one basket. I want us to have a plan and be proactive, with a thorough cost analysis and grant research so the public can make an informed decision.”
As a father of three young daughters attending Pike Road schools, Spurlin knows firsthand the importance of education in town identity and growth. He supports continuing to fund the schools, but believes the town’s future success depends on expanding community offerings beyond education.
“I want to create a platform for people from all walks of life to come to the table and voice what they see as valuable in Pike Road’s future,” he shared. “There has been a disconnect between town leadership and residents, and part of my goal is to re-establish transparent, respectful dialogue.”
Spurlin proposes enhanced communication strategies, including meeting summaries for the public, monthly status updates on important issues, and inclusive engagement formats. He would like residents to be able to attend and have a voice in the decisions the town makes.
Understanding the importance of town identity, Spurlin is an advocate for a thoughtful branding for the Town of Pike Road. Inspired by places like Fairhope and Seaside, Florida, he wants to create a recognizable brand that reflects the diversity and values of Pike Road residents, attracting local businesses and fostering community pride.
“We have enormous talent and resources here. A clear brand, paired with stronger ordinances and urban planning, will make Pike Road a magnet for local businesses and a premier living destination,” he said.
At 39, Mark Spurlin is a dedicated family man with deep local roots. He and his wife, Jessica, have been married for ten years and together raise their three daughters in Pike Road. The family shares a passion for creativity, design, and travel, with a strong connection to the schools and community activities.
Mark Spurlin’s campaign for mayor of Pike Road offers residents a candidate grounded in urban planning and business experience, and a genuine love for the Town of Pike Road. He plans to emphasize strategic growth, public safety preparedness, stronger community dialogue, and a distinct identity for Pike Road that honors its small-town atmosphere while positioning it for a vibrant future.
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