Gilbert is a young, affluent community in central Arizona. Incorporated on July 6, 1920, Gilbert is a relatively new community that has seen tremendous growth during the past two decades. Farms and open fields are still found in many urbanized parts of Gilbert, but over 107,000 people now call Gilbert home.

The Hay Capital of the World

In 1902, the Arizona Eastern Railway asked for donations of right of way in order to establish a rail line between Phoenix and Florence. A rail siding was established on property owned by William "Bobby" Gilbert. The siding, and the town that sprung up around it, eventually became known as Gilbert.

Gilbert was a prime farming community, fueled by the construction of the Roosevelt Dam and the Eastern and Consolidated Canals in 1911. It remained an agriculture town for many years, and was known as the "Hay Capital of the World" until the late 1920"s. Gilbert began to take its current shape during the 1970's when the Town Council approved a strip annexation that encompassed 53 square miles of county land. Although the population was only 1,971 in 1970 the Council realized that Gilbert would eventually grow and develop much like the neighboring communities of Tempe, Gilbert, and Chandler. This proved to be a farsighted decision as Gilbert positioned itself for growth in the 1980's and beyond.

Gilbert Today

Gilbert has experienced a rapid transition from a historically agriculture-based community to an urban center and suburb in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. In the last decade and a half, Gilbert has grown at a pace unparalleled by most communities in the United States, increasing in population from 5,717 in 1980 to over 138,000 in January 2003. As Gilbert has grown, the community has recognized the need to develop a strong, diverse economy while preserving its highly desirable quality of life. To proactively direct the growth and development of the community, the Town Council adopted the General Plan 2001 on July 10, 2001, which revised existing elements, added those required under Arizona "Growing Smarter" legislation, and incorporated new land use and economic growth considerations.

Gilbert Tomorrow

The Town of Gilbert is continuously planning for the future in order to meet the needs of tomorrow. As the Town continues to grow so does Gilbert"s commitment to providing residents, businesses and employees with the best possible services, programs and accommodations. This commitment is evidenced by several new projects planned for the Town including the new Public Safety Complex, Community Development Building, recreation center at Freestone Park, Skate Park, expansion of the Water Treatment Plant and the Town"s investment in the Heritage District.

New Regional Mall and Hospital

In 1998, Gilbert established zoning for the Town's first regional mall and hospital. The mall will be adjacent to the new Santan Freeway, bordered roughly by Greenfield Road, Ray Road, and Williams Field Road as it makes its way through central Gilbert.

Gateway Area Plan

The Gateway Area Plan was adopted by the Town Council on July 25, 2000. The plan amends the Land Use Map and the Town of Gilbert's General Plan as it relates to the area surrounding Williams Gateway Airport and Arizona State University East Campus. These two facilities are located adjacent to Gilbert in Gilbert, but the entrances/exits for both of them are through Gilbert. The plan changes the land uses of approximately 4,320 acres, generally located between Warner Road and Pecos Road; and between Power Road and Greenfield Road. Gilbert has been a partner in the Williams Gateway Airport Authority since the Air Force announced the closure of Williams Air Force Base in 1992. The Authority and several other regional institutions have converted the base to a mix of employment and educational facilities.

The Gateway Area Plan will establish more of a neighborhood village feel in the area that serves William Gateway, ASU East, and the thousands of new residents that will be living near the entrances of both of these facilities. The Gateway area will provide shopping and services as well as a strong entertainment element. The combination will create a new center for the region that will grow with the area as it matures.

Gilbert Strategic Plan

In recent years, all types of organizations have had a renewed interest in strategic management. This is due to the fact that all organizations are being faced with very difficult challenges, limited resources, and rapid change. Additionally, organizations and community leaders are being held accountable for their organizations and communities. Public sector organizations have accepted and modified the concepts of strategic planning to help with the changing environment and services. In conjunction with the Town of Gilbert Corporate Strategic Plan, the Gilbert Economic Development Department and the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board have developed a first ever Gilbert Economic Development Department Five Year Strategic Plan in 1999. The plan addresses many areas, such as advertising, database management, marketing, targeted business clusters, prospect management, department structure and more. Strategic planning is planning for results and carrying out the plan will have positive results now and in the future.

Gilbert Sister Cities

Making the world a better place, by bringing people together one friendship at a time, was the dream of President Dwight D. Eisenhower 43 years ago when he began the Sister Cities concept. Today, Gilbert Town leaders are working to create lasting bonds with others across the world, through the Gilbert Sister Cities program. The local effort started in June 1995 with the intent of forging cultural and economic relationships with other cities in South America and Europe. The program coordinates cultural, trade, educational, and sports programs that promote international and intercultural knowledge and understanding.

Gilbert established their first sister city November 17, 1998 with Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland. The Borough of Newtownabbey is situated immediately north of Belfast in County Antrim and covers an area of 54 square miles. Newtownabbey is a new town formed in 1958 by an Act of Parliament and has grown steadily over the last twenty years to a population of 85,000. The Borough of Newtownabbey is comprised of two towns and eight villages. Gilbert is also exploring two other possible Sister Cities in Europe and Asia.

• Year Founded........1891
• Year Incorporated........1920
• Average maximum temperature is 84.9 degrees F.
• Average minimum temperature is 52.9 degrees F.
• Average total precipitation is 7.66 inches
• 310 average days of sunshine per year
• Current size is 76 square miles
• Elevation is 1,273 feet

Call today and let us show you why so many people are choosing Gilbert Arizona as a great place to live.