Daphne, Ala. (TBD 2025) – Daphne Mayor Robin LeJeune recently announced he would be running for re-election to continue to lead the Jubilee City for another four years.
LeJeune’s first term in office has been marked with numerous accomplishments for the City, including finishing major infrastructure projects, improving public safety, expanding economic development and improving quality of life for the city’s residents through expanded recreational opportunities. LeJeune’s administration also secured over $20 million in federal and state grant funds to help pay for those projects
“When I took office in 2020, my goal was clear—to continue to work to make Daphne an exceptional community where residents, businesses, and families can truly thrive,”
LeJeune said. “By listening to our citizens and working closely together, we’ve made meaningful progress in enhancing the quality of life throughout our city, and I’m excited about continuing that momentum.”
Handling infrastructure and growth in one of the nation’s fastest-growing areas is not an easy task, but LeJeune said it’s a task that had to be taken on quickly and well if Daphne wanted to continue to thrive and enjoy the quality of life that it is known for throughout the state and region.
“Smart infrastructure relies on careful planning and strong partnerships,” LeJeune noted. “During my first term we’ve invested millions of dollars in infrastructure projects and secured key grants—$1 million to upgrade sewer lift stations and protect our waterways, $3 million in stormwater upgrades, $2 million to widen and resurface U.S. 90, and $1.2 million to finish the Pollard Road sidewalks. Together with targeted upgrades on County Roads 13 and 64, Highways 181 and 98, I-10, Main Street, and other key corridors, these improvements demonstrate our commitment to responsible growth and careful stewardship of taxpayer resources.”
LeJeune also noted that under his leadership the city has updated its 20-year comprehensive plan, enacted stricter land-use ordinances for developers, and introduced impact fees to help manage and support Daphne’s continued growth.
Public safety has remained a top priority for LeJeune throughout his first term. Under his leadership, the city invested more than $3 million in new fire trucks, expanded the fire department with the opening of a new fire station, and staffed every fire truck with full medic capabilities.
“Most of the calls our fire department responds to are medical emergencies,” LeJeune said. “By staffing every fire truck with a trained medic, we’re able to get help on the scene faster—usually arriving in under five minutes, quicker than an ambulance.”
LeJeune’s administration has also invested in a new patrol building and new courtroom, upgraded police and firefighter uniforms, implemented health screenings, and increased pay to support recruitment and retention of first responders.
LeJeune cited the opening of the new fire station as a major milestone and said he looks forward to the future completion of the Daphne Justice Center expansion he initiated in 2024.
LeJeune, who previously served as the City Council liaison to the Daphne Parks and Recreation Board, has also continued to make recreation and quality-of-life improvements a top priority during his time as mayor. His administration secured more than $12 million in federal GOMESA grants to fund major projects, all without increasing the local tax burden.
Additional investments have supported upgrades and expansions across the city’s parks and recreation system, including more than $5 million in improvements to the Daphne Sports Complex, renovations to Centennial Park, and nearly $1 million in enhancements at Lott Park. The city also invested in upgrades at Trione Park, expanded pickleball courts, added a new multipurpose field at the Ruff Wilson Youth Center, and made Daphne’s waterfront more accessible through improvements at the D’Olive Boat Launch and May Day Park.
Looking ahead, construction is expected to begin this summer on a 2,400-seat amphitheater at Bayfront Park, funded in part by a $7.2 million GOMESA grant. This outdoor venue is designed to host concerts, theater, and community events, further enriching Daphne’s cultural landscape.
“Parks and recreation are an essential part of what makes a community strong,” LeJeune said. “By investing in these spaces, we're investing in the health, happiness, and future of our residents. Whether it’s improving our waterfront access, expanding our sports facilities, or creating inclusive spaces for families like the Purple Park Playground, we’re committed to making Daphne a place where everyone feels at home.”
LeJeune said another point of pride during his first term is the new state-of-the-art animal shelter on Johnson Road, a project years in the making to meet the city’s future needs.
“This facility was designed not just for today, but for the growth we know is coming in the next 10 to 15 years. Every detail—from the air circulation to the easy-to-clean floors—was made to reduce anxiety for the animals, helping them become more adoptable and find loving homes faster.”
Prior to being elected Mayor in 2020, LeJeune served eight years as a member of the Daphne City Council, including a year as council president. LeJeune was also the owner and manager of the popular Market by the Bay Restaurant for almost two decades, a family-owned business that still remains as a facet of the city’s business landscape.
LeJeune and his wife, Christina, have three children—Alexis and her husband, Trace Busby, Liberty, and Xander—and are now proud grandparents to their first granddaughter, Eloise, born to Alexis and Trace. They are active members of Crossroads Church of God.