The Drop Times: Building What’s Next Together

Drupal CMS 1.0 was released earlier this year, and work is actively underway on the Experience Builder. This visual site-building tool enables users to create layouts directly in the browser, utilising drag-and-drop features. The project is currently in alpha and scheduled for full release by the end of 2025. At the same time, the Drupal AI Initiative has launched with $120,000 in funding to develop tools that help generate layouts, forms, and content based on user input. These tools are built with human oversight in mind: users can review, edit, or reject suggestions. This shift reflects a clear goal: make it faster to build and manage sites without relying entirely on developer resources.

The current board election connects directly to these developments. The Drupal Association is holding its 2025 at-large board member vote from June 18 to July 11. Seven candidates, Alexander Varwijk, Carlos Ospina, Matthew Saunders, Matt Glaman, Maya Schaeffer, Vladimir Roudakov, and Will Huggins, are running to fill the seat held by Fei Lauren. Each candidate has published a platform addressing key areas like onboarding, contributor experience, community inclusion, and responsible use of automation. These issues align with Drupal’s current work, including its focus on non-technical users and expanded access to site-building tools.

The Drupal Association board plays a direct role in supporting new features and community programs. Its decisions affect funding, contributor support, and how major initiatives, such as the Experience Builder and Drupal AI, are maintained over time. The individual elected to the at-large seat will help guide these efforts, ensuring they are aligned with both user needs and available resources. Voting is open to all eligible members through July 11, and participation ensures these decisions reflect the priorities of the wider Drupal community.

INTERVIEW

• A Look Under the Hood of Lupus Decoupled Drupal

• Meet Alexander Varwijk — Candidate for the 2025 Drupal Association Board Election

• Meet Carlos Ospina — Candidate for the 2025 Drupal Association Board Election

• Meet J Matthew Saunders — Candidate for the 2025 Drupal Association Board Election

• Meet Matt Glaman — Candidate for the 2025 Drupal Association Board Election

• Meet Maya Schaeffer — Candidate for the 2025 Drupal Association Board Election

• Meet Vladimir Roudakov — Candidate for the 2025 Drupal Association Board Election

• Meet Will Huggins — Candidate for the 2025 Drupal Association Board Election

DISCOVER DRUPAL

• Drupal Core to Adopt Gin Admin Theme, Replacing Claro by 2025

• SPARC: Solar Powered Advanced Renewable Control

• Drupal 11.2.0 Released with Performance and API Upgrades

• Drupal AI 1.1.0 Introduces Agentic Framework, Enabling No-Code AI Agent Deployment

DRUPAL COMMUNITY

• Your Vote, Their Vision: 2025 Drupal Board Election Candidates

EVENT

• DrupalCon Vienna Extends Splash Awards 2025 Submission Deadline to 23 June

• Sponsorship Opportunities Open for Drupal Developer Days 2026 in Athens

• Discover How Drupal Solves Business Challenges: Meetup in Bern, Switzerland – June 24, 2025

We acknowledge that there are more stories to share. However, due to selection constraints, we must pause further exploration for now.

To get timely updates, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. You can also join us on Drupal Slack at #thedroptimes.

Thank you, 
Sincerely 
KAZIMA ABBAS
Sub-editor, The DropTimes.