Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, assessing the population-level effects on approximately 93 affected bird species proved challenging. Limited baseline data on population size, density, and distribution created significant uncertainty about the Gulf’s ecological condition. Contributing factors included variable study designs, small spatial and temporal scales, unclear objectives, and inconsistent use of standardized monitoring protocols. To address these issues, the Gulf Avian Monitoring Network (GoMAMN) was established in 2014 to coordinate bird monitoring efforts and improve the use of data for conservation and restoration decisions. GoMAMN is a self-organized collaboration of federal, state, academic, and NGO partners, collectively, the Community of Practice. Through facilitated workshops and the principles of co-production and structured decision-making, GoMAMN created a platform for coordination, communication, information synthesis, and consensus building. Using decision theory, our network identified core values, data needs, and evaluation criteria to guide future monitoring priorities. By developing and assessing potential monitoring programs through a prioritization framework, GoMAMN identified the most valuable and cost-effective approaches to maximize the usefulness of bird monitoring data for restoration and habitat conservation. Seven taxa-based Working Groups (landbirds, marshbirds, raptors, seabirds, shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl) were initially established, along with an Avian Health Working Group and, later, a Renewable Energy Working Group. These collaborative efforts have produced numerous research and monitoring projects, several of which are featured at this meeting. We will highlight how these planning efforts have led to successful programs and continue to strengthen co-produced science that advances bird conservation across the northern Gulf region.